The Bristol Magazine July 2025

LOVE CONQUERS ALL

LOUDLY PROUD

All you need to know about the 2025 Pride celebrations

HAUNTED HOUSE

Stacey Dooley & Kevin Clifton join forces in a ghost story

CLASS ACT

Behind the curtain at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

LOAFING AROUND

We visit Loafer in Henleaze as it marks one year of village life

Meet

The finest ‘fits from Finisterre to see you through your

Hear from songstress Kim Wilde, who’s performing at this year’s

Our

Real-life

Coe Gallery is exhibiting work from some very special First Nations artists from

Creative

48

Tantilising tipples from our friends at The Great Wine Co.

We visit the coffee hotspot, brunch venue and small plates restaurant Loafer on its first birthday

Andrew Swift explores the village of Painswick, AKA The Queen of the Cotswolds 62

Expert advice and top trend tips for colour drenching your rooms, from natural nudes to vibrant hues 66

Elly West explores what to plant in patches of shade around your garden

EDITOR from the

Adark, spooky and potentially haunted room might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine long, hazy summer days, but the ghosts that haunt us care not for seasonal frivolities. There are messages that need to be conveyed. Secrets waiting to be unearthed. Forgotten memories to be recalled. If, like me, you relish the thrill of scary stories (whether you’re watching through your fingers or on the edge of your seat) then creep as quietly as you can to page 32. There in the shadows you’ll find documentarian and Strictly winner Stacey Dooley and her partner in both dance and real life Kevin Clifton.

But they’ve swapped their sequins for something altogether much more supernatural, starring in Danny Robins’ smash-hit play 2:22 – A Ghost Story, which stops at Bristol Hippodrome later this summer. We hear from Stacey and Kevin about working together on a show where belief and scepticism clash. Do we dare discover the horrifying truth behind the ghostly goings on at their new home?

Talking of believers, ‘80s pop legend (a term we’re not using lightly) Kim Wilde – who we spoke to on page 20 ahead of her performance at Pride Festival this month – had a paranormal experience of her very own back in 2009; a close encounter with some unusual lights in her back garden has helped her, she tells us, to “remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet, as Stephen Hawking once said”.

Kim also explains how she feels a special connection to her LGBTQ+ fans, which is why she’s over the moon to be appearing as part of the city’s annual Pride celebrations. Our city, though by no means perfect, is something of a sanctuary for many people who count themselves among this community, myself included, and the carefully curated events that the Pride team puts on throughout the season are reminders that behind the rainbow flags, is the protest. Let’s hope we never take Pride for granted, and I urge you to engage with as much of the full programme of events as possible this year (but by all means, have a blast on The Downs come 12 July, too).

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Financial Director Jane Miklos jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Rosanna Spence 0117 974 2800 rosanna@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

India Farnham india@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Jeff Osborne

Email: production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Liz Grey

Email: liz@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

For advertising enquiries, please contact us on 0117 974 2800 Email: sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Bristol Magazine is published by MC Publishing Ltd. An independent publisher.

Every month, The Bristol Magazine is hand delivered to more than 15,000 homes in selected areas. We also deliver direct to companies and businesses across the city. Additionally, there are many places where we have floor-stands and units for free pick-up:

We’ve picked out a few dates on page 28, and more information can be found online at bristolpride.co.uk. See you there.

Rosanna Spence

CLIFTON ARCADE

Credit: Dan Weill Photography

5 things to do

Watch Shakespeare

Insane Root Theatre’s latest immersive show, Shakespeare’s Henry V, is currently on until 2 August in the dramatic 14th-century Temple Church, just off Victoria Street, Redcliffe. This evocative, open-air performance presents a thrilling retelling of the Bard’s work by championing an all-female and nonbinary cast and creative team: adapted to just under two hours’ running time and featuring original songs from acclaimed local composer Ellian Showering. insaneroot.org.uk/henry-v-temple-church

Head for the harbour

Bristol Harbour Festival’s free annual dance, music and arts extravaganza will be returning to the harbourside from 18-20 July with a jam-packed programme of family activities, circus performances, visiting vessels and mega live music. Visitors can enjoy more than 120 hours of entertainment across seven stages in five areas around the city. bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

Celebrate carnival!

The city’s iconic celebration of African-Caribbean culture, St Pauls Carnival, returns with its scaled back, Back A Yard series of events this month, celebrating the timely theme of ‘Roots of Resistance’, marking the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act 1965. Following annual tradition, carnival day on 5 July will begin with its exclusive Elders’ Brunch at Circomedia, continuing with a celebration at the Malcolm X Centre from 12pm-8pm, welcoming families to gather and enjoy delicious carnival food, activities and watch performances from local schools. Official Back A Yard parties are also being held across the city, visit stpaulscarnival.net for the full programme.

Find French theatre

Join Clifton Amateur Dramatics Society from 31 July to 2 August, 7pm, for an unforgettable immersive experience of Molière’s The Tartuffe (otherwise known as The Impostor or The Hypocrite). This play, first performed in front of the Sun King himself in 1664, tells the story of a wealthy family ripped apart by a deceitful charlatan and features some of the most memorable characters in French literature. An entertaining study on manipulation and its consequences, this story is truly timeless. The splendour of The Clifton Club (BS8 4DS), plus French cocktails, macarons and ice cream, the period costumes and live music with instruments of the time, should prove to be the perfect backdrop for this thoughtprovoking, heartfelt and wonderfully witty satirical farce. Tickets are available via bristolcads.org.uk

Visit a country show

Portishead Show, which is being held 26-27 July this year, is a combination of country fair and a traditional flower and produce show, having first taken place in 1863. With more than 300 competition classes to enter, there really is a class for all ages, from pre-school to senior citizens. Family-friendly entertainment this year will include The Quack Pack – runner ducks herded by sheepdogs, Gamegoer Gun Dogs and Ferrets, Kevin’s Community Circus, Ben Long Falconry, Johnny G Puppet and Magic Show, The Rock Choir, The McLennan School of Irish Dance, Clevedon Gymnastic Display, Punch and Judy and lots more. Refreshments aim to support the British farming community and local companies alike, with baked goods and ham from local butchers Butchers Block, bread from Herberts in Bristol and home-baked cakes from WI ladies. Discounted tickets can be booked via portisheadsummershow.com

City is t

The

The City is t

Image credit: Evoke Pictures

MyBristol

Meet

Sally Bennett, director at Southmead Hospital Charity

I’m a proud Bristolian, having lived in Bristol for 19 years. I’ve been a fundraiser for many years, working for both national and local charities here in Bristol, and am currently Director of Southmead Hospital Charity having been born at Southmead almost 40 years ago, in July 1985.

I love to go out to eat with friends and family. I try to support new restaurants and businesses. We’re spoilt for choice in Bristol as the independent food scene is thriving. I recently tried Lonely Mouth on Gloucester Road and am looking forward to trying the new takeaway menu at Jean’s Bistro latest enterprise, Jinzu.

I love the magic of turning Southmead Hospital Charity’s supporters’ incredible donations into projects that make a real difference for patients, families and staff. We support upwards of 400 projects annually and each one is initiated by our NHS colleagues. Whether big or small, they all make the biggest impact to the people who need it most.

I am so proud of the team here at Southmead and what we achieve together. Since I joined in January 2023, we’ve successfully concluded two major appeals helping to bring a world-class, pioneering robotic digital microscope for those in need of brain surgery to Southmead, which will save more lives for those living with brain tumours, disease and injuries. Donations have also helped us fund the majority of the equipment needed for the newly launched 3D Medical Centre, enabling safer and more accurate patient care for those needing reconstruction and prosthetics.

We’re currently fundraising for a ‘walkerbot’ or robotic gait trainer – a revolutionary piece of robotics that will transform rehabilitation for stroke patients. The effects of stroke or other neurological injury can be devastating and this piece of equipment will transform lives; helping more patients recover faster, walk again, and regain their independence. From September we’ll be appealing to the public to support our appeal, details of which can be found below, and we know we can rely on the support of our incredible community to help us bring this life-changing equipment here to Bristol.

I love the passion, ingenuity and kindness of our Bristol community. We had more than 70 supporters take part in this year’s Great Bristol Run helping to raise over £35,000 for Southmead Hospital. I’m always blown away by the dedication of our runners – the hours they put in, and the reasons why they choose to take part and support us. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some incredible charity professionals over my career and am inspired by all the brilliant people who work tirelessly to make a difference at their respective charities. I couldn’t also not mention my NHS colleagues – the brilliant, nurses, midwives, doctors, cleaners, porters – everyone who makes the hospitals the caring, compassionate places they are.

To find out more information about Southmead Hospital Charity, including the Walkerbot appeal, visit the organisation’s website southmeadhospitalcharity.org.uk/support-us/walkerbot

Gromit sculpture trail officially unleashed

A steam train (driven by Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park, pictured above) loaded with sculptures of Wallace, Gromit, Feathers McGraw and Wallace’s latest invention, Norbot made its way into Bristol along the city’s harbour railway to mark the start of Gromit Unleashed 3.

The sculpture trail, which runs until 31 August, is a joint initiative by The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity and Aardman. All 53 sculptures have now been delivered to their trail locations, throughout the city of Bristol and beyond.

Hot on the heels of Aardman’s latest double BAFTA-winning feature film, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, the designs are inspired by the movies and the stories, fables and legends that have inspired them.

The cast of the new trail includes already announced designs in collaboration with and inspired by Roald Dahl, DreamWorks and Netflix, alongside a talented line-up of local artists.

Visitors to the trail can tick off each sculpture via the official Gromit Unleashed 3 app, available on Apple and Android. A map of all sculptures is available from various locations around the city. Find out more info at gromitunleashed.org.uk

Free bus travel this summer for kids

Children and young people under the age of 16 are set to able to travel for free on buses across the region during the school holidays, thanks to new investment proposed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

Around 150,000 kids in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire aged from 5-15 years old could benefit from free bus travel this summer – just by hopping on board, with no bus pass or registration required.

(Image: West of England Mayoral Combined Authority / Anna Barclay)

More than 100 hot air balloons to soar at the Fiesta

The skies above Bristol are set to come alive once again as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, in partnership with Albert Goodman, prepares to return to the city from 8-10 August .

This free-to-attend celebration will welcome more than 100 hot air balloons from across the globe, all ready to take flight from the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate.

The first confirmed special shape hot air balloons include the eagerly awaited returns of the UP balloon (pictured) with Cameron Balloons, Astro the Alien with Spirit Balloons, Rupert the Bear with Bristol Balloon Collectors and Slick the Dragon with MJ Ballooning. This year will also see the 143-foot tall Oggy the Friendly Dragon from Albuquerque make his first Bristol appearance thanks to Indy Hot Air.

Two brand-new ballooning features join the action this year: In The Clouds invites visitors to step inside a cold-inflated balloon for an immersive audio-visual experience, recreating the sensation of being in flight with a pilot's-eye soundscape and video. While Cameron Balloons will take over the arena on Saturday afternoon with a line-up demonstrating the different shapes and styles of hot air balloons they manufacture in Bristol. With commentary to educate the public on what it takes to build, manufacture, operate and fly five different styles of hot air balloon, including the Sport50, Sport-70, Sport-90, hopper and special shape balloons.

For the full programme and updates, visit the website bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

Rediscovered Turner painting turns heads

The first ever oil painting that world-renowned painter Turner exhibited, depicting a scene of Bristol viewed from the east bank of the River Avon, has been rediscovered after 150 years. Turner’s signature was revealed last year after The Rising Squall was cleaned, and was returned to the UK to be sold at auction by Sotheby’s, with an estimated value of up to £300,000. Following the news of its discovery and sale, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery launched a Bring Turner Home campaign, which raised funds with the hope of acquiring the painting in order to keep it in public hands in Bristol by combining contributions from the public, trusts and local businesses. At the time of writing, the crowdfunder had smashed its original £100,000 target. No council funding was used towards the campaign, and the crowdfunder closed on 1 July.

Businesses to battle at padel tournament

St Peter’s Hospice is hosting an afternoon of friendly competition, networking with other professionals and fun, fastpaced fundraising for the hospice services at its 2025 Bristol Business Padel Tournament on 10 July (3pm-5pm) at Rocket Padel (BS4 4EB).

Fast-growing sport Padel involves the exciting pace of squash with the scoring system of tennis, played in doubles on a closed court. People are invited to come together with colleagues, business contacts or friends, and can play as a pair or on your own and be assigned a teammate. Tickets (£20) include racket, court and ball hire. stpetershospice.org

At The Eye Unit (Private Clinic), our highly skilled, compassionate team delivers premium, personalised eye care tailored to enhance your vision and overall quality of life. Our consultants are renowned specialists in their field, offering state-of-the-art treatments designed to meet your individual eye care needs. From innovative cataract surgery to expert management of retinal, glaucoma, and oculoplastic conditions, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care to improve not just your sight, but your daily life.

Specialising in Advanced Cataract Surgery

Rediscover clear vision with confidence. Our expert surgeons use the latest techniques and cutting-edge technology to perform safe, precise cataract procedures with outstanding results. Expect personalised care and exceptional outcomes every step of the way.

Leaders in Oculoplastic and Blepharoplasty Surgery

Whether addressing functional eyelid issues or seeking subtle, natural-looking enhancements, our oculoplastic specialist combines surgical precision with artistic skill. We offer advanced reconstructive and cosmetic procedures that restore comfort, confidence, and balanced, youthful results.

Choose The Eye Unit – where world-class expertise meets personalised care

Turner, The Rising Squall (Credit: Sotheby's)

Mr Adam Ross Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Miss Gemma Manasseh Consultant Ophthalmic & Oculoplastic Surgeon

City appoints new Head Coaches

Bristol City FC has appointed Gerhard Struber as the club’s new men’s Head Coach on a three-year contract until 2028.

The Austrian joins City after most recently managing FC Köln in Germany and will officially link up with the squad when they return for pre-season training next week.

Struber says: “I am very excited for the job here with great fans and a great team. I’m looking forward to a new task.

“The style of play here fits completely, especially developing young players.

“This is a very interesting group, and I think they did a great job last season and were very successful. Right now is the time to build and do everything we can to take us to the next level.

“The big responsibility is in the first team, to build, develop and create results but at the same time it is a duty to bring players from the local area and into the academy and give them a pathway to become a professional footballer at Bristol City.

“I like to play with high intensity on the field. We will control, we will dominate the game, and we’ll play attractive football for the fans.”

Meanwhile, Bristol City has also announced the appointment of Charlotte Healy as the club’s new women’s Head Coach. Healy joins after six years at Manchester United, progressing from Academy Head Coach to first team Assistant Coach at the Women’s Super League club.

Previously, Healy had been women’s Under-21s manager at Manchester City and the women’s assistant Under-23s manager at Liverpool.

Having started her coaching career with Derby County, Healy has also worked with the Football Association as a Development Technical Coach for the North West of England, enhancing and influencing the development of young English female elite footballers.

“Providing opportunities for young players is really important, it’s something I value and love doing,” she says. “I love seeing players progress into the first team and I’m excited to be able to provide that opportunity to players in our pathway.

“I’m high challenge, I want us to win, I want us to be successful but if you came into my environment, I hope you’d see it is really high support as well.

“I can’t wait to play in front of our fans, and they’ll be a huge part of what we do.”

bcfc.co.uk

Second wave of support for local South Asian musicians

Bristol’s Asian Arts Agency has unveiled the next wave of UK-based South Asian music talent with the launch of Emerge 2, its flagship artist development programme.

Following the success of its earlier initiative Breaking Barriers, this new edition is designed to supercharge the careers of eight exciting emerging artists (pictured above). The programme offers a mix of online and in-person training, mentoring, and industry insights – from copyright and royalties to digital marketing and funding know-how – delivered in collaboration with PRS for Music, AAA Media, and other industry leaders.

Emerge 2 is led by producer Gurpreet Bachu and gives artists the tools to record, perform and promote new work, as well as grow their networks and industry confidence. asianartsagency.co.uk

Charity helping women into work opens in city

Smart Works, the UK charity that helps disadvantaged, unemployed women get the coaching and confidence they need to secure employment, is opening in Bristol.

The new centre will provide highquality clothing, personalised interview coaching and ongoing support to help women feel confident, succeed at interviews, and transform their lives.

Each woman referred to Smart Works will receive a free interview outfit and one-to-one coaching. If she secures the job, she returns for a second dressing to build a capsule work wardrobe. Two-thirds of Smart Works clients in other areas of the UK have gone on to get the job within a month of their appointment.

Thanks to the backing of the Julia Rausing Trust, this will be the first time the charity’s service is available in the south west.

Smart Works Bristol is now building its community of volunteers, referral partners, and corporate supporters. If you’re a local business, charity, or individual who wants to be part of this new chapter, visit the website smartworks.org.uk/bristol or email bristol@smartworks.org.uk

Be inspired...

1. Men's Opie Chambray Shirt: Organic cotton and linen shirt in washed indigo, £75

2. Finisterre + Snow Peak Camping Poncho: Lightweight 3-in-1 camping poncho, blanket & sleeping bag in black, £260

3. Men's Future Wave Coho Sweatshirt: Organic cotton sweatshirt in raven black, £70

4. Men's Finitype T-Shirt: Super-soft regenerative cotton t-shirt in amethyst purple, £38

5. Women's Morva Linen Cami Top: Linen and organic cotton blend cami top in shibori print, £70 (and shorts, £70)

6. Men's Stormbird Waterproof Jacket: premium recycled breathable waterproof jacket in deep sea, £250

7. Women's Senara V Neck Swimsuit: Recycled swimsuit in all over collage print, £95

8. Men's Channel Stripe Long Sleeve T-Shirt: Nautical inspired long-sleeved t-shirt in clay stripe, £45

9. Women's Meskel Stripe Vest: Organic cotton vest top in olive and ecru stripe, £35

Nalgene Sustain 1L

Wide Mouth Bottle, £25

Cape Low-Pro. Trucker Cap, £40

High Tide Sock, £15

0Wander Adventure Bucket Hat, £400

Women's Croft Workwear. Barrel Trouser,£95.

Men's Atlas Swim. Short, £65

Sardines Tote Bag, £15

Men's Fruits

De Mer T-Shirt £380

Women's Rainbird Waterproof Jacket, £135.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Island Glow Easy Tanning Drops

Top up your summer tan with this ultra-easy self tanner, perfect for that lit-fromwithin glow.

30ml | £38 spacenk.com

The Ordinary UV Filters SPF

45 Serum

The Ordinary’s new SPF face

Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy

Gone are the days of uncomfortbale flights; start your relaxation journey early with this rollon, stress-busting therapy oil, infused with Ginger Root, Lavender and Geranium.

10ml | £27 aesop.com

cream offers high protection and lightweight coverage, and with an affordable price tag, it promises to keep your skin safe from the sun’s rays. 60ml | £15.80 | boots.com

Chanel Hydra Micro Serum

Fight the heat and stay hydrated with this easy to apply plumping serum which keeps tired skin balanced and replenished all day.

30ml | £84 |chanel.com

Heatwave Essentials

It’s time to don your finest hats and sparkliest sunnies and get ready to step out into the sun. But how to make the most out of your holidays (and luggage allowance)? Minis are the way to go for easy purchasing and packing, and with these pocket‐ sized picks you’ll feel refreshed and relaxed all summer long

Nars Hot Escape Cheek Palette

L’Occitane Travel Must-Haves Bodycare Gift Set

No time to browse? Get all your travel essentials in one fell purchase, including L’Occitane’s iconic bodywash, shampoo and conditioner, milk concentrate, and hand cream. Delightful! £19 | loccitane.com

This multi-purpose compact blush, bronzer and highlighter quad is the perfect companion to any sunny trip away, providing all of your skin-sculpting needs in one gorgeous palette. £48 | spacenk.com

PHLUR Vanilla Skin Body Mist

Some products are bestsellers for a reason, and this body mist definitely has us sold. With notes of vanilla, pepper, lily, and wood, it’s perfect for a gentle whiff of that sweet summer feeling.

89ml | £25 | spacenk.com

Bristol is about to get a whole lot louder, prouder and more fabulous as Bristol Pride returns to The Downs on Saturday 12 July. Expect more than 200 performers across five stages, with a line-up that shines with pure star power. Headlining the Main Stage is none other than alt-pop maverick Allie X, bringing her cinematic soundscapes to Bristol for the very first time. The afternoon gets a glitter-drenched throwback courtesy of Kim Wilde (pictured above), delivering anthemic ‘80s nostalgia alongside some new tracks, while Eurodance queen Cascada turns up the BPM with her euphoric bangers. Add in iconic performances from Ultra Naté, Tom Rasmussen, and rising queer talents like Anthony Lexa, Jason Kwan and VOYA, and you’ve got a stage that reads like the hottest queer playlist of the year.

Over at the fabulous Cabaret Stage, it’s drag heaven. International queen and star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Brooke Lynn Hytes leads a fierce pack of performers, including the likes of Alfie Ordinary, Sonofa Tutu and Miss Jam Tart, ensuring non-stop sequins, sass and sparkle. Meanwhile, the Uplift Stage, Dance Performance Stage and a vibrant Circus Big Top serve everything from high-energy dance and spoken word to aerial artistry and immersive acts, all curated to celebrate queer joy in every form. The day kicks off with the vibrant Pride Parade at 10am, departing from Castle Park and snaking through the city in a riot of colour and solidarity before heading to the festival site on Clifton Down.With a two-week programme of comedy, theatre, circus and sport, plus the unmissable Parade March through the city, Bristol Pride is set to be the summer’s boldest celebration of love and identity.

The Wild,Wilde West

Pop icon Kim Wilde (who we’ve got an exclusive chat with) performing in town is just one of the hundreds of reasons to get excited about this year’s Bristol Pride. The city is well and truly awash with loud and proud talent who are talking, performing and educating minds and imaginations throughout Pride season – ensuring their legacy lingers long after the party’s over…

Pride March (Credit: Dan Regan)

‘80s legend Kim Wilde

We sat down with Kim Wilde ahead of her performance to talk pop, pride and why she still loves hitting the stage...

What do you love about performing for Pride audiences, and do you enjoy supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community through your music and appearances?

“I’ve played at several Pride gigs and always feel a special connection with my LGBTQ+ crowd. Me and my fabulous band are excited and we’re making sure the show is as colourful and glorious as our audience is.”

You’re playing the coveted ‘Afternoon Legend’ slot – what energy will you be bringing to the Bristol crowd?

“We shall be serving ATTITUDE AND JOY and rising to the occasion for a Poptastic experience!”

How’s the experience touring this time around been? Have you learnt any tricks over the years to transform life on the road for the better?

“Touring just gets better and better these days. I have an amazing band who have worked with me for many years, as well as my brilliant brother Ricky Wilde and my niece Scarlett Wilde. I have an excellent crew stage side and out front, making sure we look and sound amazing. Not least of all, I have an audience who have grown up with me, who bring so much joy and love to every gig.”

Congratulations on the success of your latest album Closer! How has the creative process of putting music out in your 60s differed to in your 20s?

“The pressure is off! No more fretting about Top of the Pops appearances or chart positions. Ricky, Scarlett and I feed off each other’s energy and passion for POP. Closer is a joy to perform and fits perfectly beside our older songs.”

Do you have a favourite track on the new album and why?

“Midnight Train was a banger from the moment Ricky played it to me, but I have to say Love Is Love is fabulous and challenging to sing… and I LOVE a challenge.”

What’s currently your absolute favourite song to perform?

“Love Is Love! Ricky has been working on some banging remixes to be

added to the Deluxe Closer later this year. Love has no copyright, it belongs equally to everyone on this planet, and I like to think beyond this planet also.”

If you could bring one fashion trend back from the 80s, and leave one behind forever, what would they be?

“Shoulder pads got WAY out of control although I support some subtle shoulder enhancement. I’d bring back the mullet hair style, originally inspired by Linda McCartney and Rod Stewart in the ‘70s and then reimagined in the ‘80s… it is timeless!”

Have you spent much time in Bristol when you’re not performing, and if so, what do you like to do here, and do you have any great memories of the city you’d be able to share?

“I did my very first UK gig in Bristol. The crowd were just superb and have been anytime I’ve returned. I’m very excited about performing at Bristol Pride, I’ve had some new costumes made especially and can’t wait to see all those lovely faces.”

Has your interest in gardening ever influenced your creative process in any way?

“I think any creative pursuit inspires everything you do, especially every song you sing or write. Gardening is one of the most rewarding and beautiful cornerstones of my life and is often referenced somehow in my music.”

You’ve spoken openly about being happier and more joyful now than when you were younger – what do you love most about thriving in your 60s?

“I love how healthy I feel. I’m in the gym regularly or cold plunging and dog walking. Giving up alcohol 10 years ago was also the best thing I’ve ever done for my long term strength, both physically and mentally.”

You mentioned ‘beyond this planet’ earlier. After a strange experience in 2009 in your Hertfordshire garden, have you had any more alien encounters?

“I’ve not again seen the bright soundless spheres that hovered over my garden, but I'm ‘always looking up to the stars and not down at my feet’, as Stephen Hawking said.” n

For the ultimate Pride experience, make sure to grab your Pride Wristband which gives you exclusive rewards and access across the festival. Available now at bristolpride.co.uk

The storytellers of tomorrow

Since 1946, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has provided world‐class training for performers and creatives, and has become a stronghold for arts training. Recent Acting graduate Georgia Cudby takes a look at the resounding impact that the school has on the city and beyond, as well as the hurdles it’s currently facing to continue its legacy

From the outside, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS) appears to be somebody’s home. Two stately Victorian villas sandwich a modern, glassfronted reception area. Either side, the original sash windows are slightly ajar to welcome in the warm summer breeze and sunlight, reaching through the sturdy tree in the front garden, projects dancing leaves on the whitewashed exterior. A gentle cacophony of harmonious singing, happy chatter and snatches of a play rehearsal rise and fall. Propped up on my elbows on the modest patch of grass studded with daisies, I can’t help but feel at home.

Nestled next to Bristol’s Clifton Downs, BOVTS has, indeed, been a home to many. For the last 80 years, young people with a dream and a heavy dose of determination have passed through these walls to study acting, directing, voice, theatre design, costume, production arts or writing. The world has been consistently impressed by the incredible rate that BOVTS graduates emerge onto and behind our stages and screens and I am sure you will know more than a handful.

Among the most well-known are Olivia Colman (The Crown, The Favourite), Daniel Day Lewis (My Left Foot, Lincoln), Patrick Stewart (Star Trek, Frasier), Theo James (Divergent, The White Lotus), Erin Doherty (The Crown, Adolescence) and Naomie Harris (Moonlight, Skyfall), and the school was founded with the support of none other than

theatrical veteran Sir Laurence Olivier. Not only that, graduates’ work behind-thescenes is consistently propping up some of the most influential arts venues, charities and production companies in the UK and internationally. Think Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Technical Director at the National Theatre and various roles at The Globe and the National Theatre. This is my humble attempt to acknowledge the talented thousands, once “keen-beans” honing their craft by the Clifton Downs, who have been weaving their magic through the arts scene for the last eight decades.

Treasure Island, November 2024 (Credit: Ed Felton)

Exterior of BOVTS on Downside Road

Making the magic happen

BOVTS’ training has been tried and tested over the last 80 years. The training, across all courses, is centred around industry-related experience, helping students to gain confidence in skills they can immediately apply to professional work. In fact, a recent alumni survey found that 80% of alumni were still working in Theatre, TV and Film. Another impressive 90% agreed that their training at BOVTS had a significant impact on successfully getting work in their specialism.

Rob Langley-Swain, a spokesperson for BOVTS, told me: “There is something very special about the School and the community it fosters among those who train here. The passion, enthusiasm and fondness our alumni have for their time at the school is staggering.”

Despite BOVTS’ undeniable brilliance, in January this year, the school announced the closure of its three undergraduate degree programmes (Professional Acting; Costume for Theatre, Film and Television; and Production Arts). To many who once called it home, this felt like a bolt from the blue. A school that was at the forefront of the world’s artistic and technical excellence, a place that has fostered so much good. How was this possible?

Adapting to change

A challenging concoction of funding cuts, capping of student fees, restrictions to international student visas, increases in the cost of living and the Office for Students’ (OfS) announcement that it would no longer be accepting applications for selfregistration with itself as a regulatory body left BOVTS in a seemingly impossible situation requiring “time and space to work through the options”.

It’s important to note the impact of these factors on the school. The School’s business planning for the next five years relied on self-registration to give them the ability to admit international students who form a “vital and vibrant part of life at the School.” Another blow was the loss of a historical grant from the central government as part of the school’s membership to the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (CDD). This was worth more

Rising star Assa Kanouté, who can be seen as a series regular in BBC’s Boarders, graduated from the Professional Acting BA (Hons) course in July 2023.

Kanouté reflects on her time at BOVTS: “My experience at BOVTS changed my life… I was exposed to so much knowledge from brilliant teachers who pushed and motivated us to be artists.”

How instrumental was your training at BOVTS to your success in acting now?

“It was hugely instrumental. I got my agent through a show I did at BOVTS in the final year, which helped me put my best foot forward… Training at Bristol has helped me self-correct and go into different jobs where I can comfortably rely on myself and what I know.”

Why do you think BOVTS is an important place? Why is it special?

“I think BOVTS is an important place because studying in a city like Bristol is such an amazing experience. There is something about its location in Clifton, next to the Downs, which is a bit of magic… You get to know people from all parts of the school, with its emphasis on mixing students from different courses together. Studying alongside the production arts students enabled so many creative collaborations.”

than £800,000 per annum. The coup de grace, perhaps, is the gap between the cost of delivering the high-quality training and the income the school receives from tuition fees. BOVTS estimates that a year of tuition on the BA (Hons) Professional Acting course costs approximately £20,000 per student per annum, which strays far from the £9,250 that the government loans. Largely, the expense comes from the 30+ contact hours per week; the nature of the disciplines requires in person, teacher-led, collaborative training.

Though the school still boasts a plethora of exciting Masters courses in acting, voice studies, directing, writing and design, a concern for some is that young people without a bachelor’s degree or government funding will not be able to access this prestigious training. Kanouté (Professional Acting BA (Hons), 2023) comments: “It feels so unfair that people like me won't be able to experience training at a school like BOVTS... The BA course had people from all walks of life who kept the School’s creative force fresh and new…”

Class in progress

The Watsons (Credit: Craig Fuller)

What happens next?

Dedicated staff are working fervently in bustling offices on Downside Road to protect the school’s future. When I asked the team what the current plan of action is, they explained: “We need to assess the financial needs of the school and work with supporters to build up the school’s financial resilience and resource, alongside developing a more sustainable ‘cost vs training’ delivery model.”

The school has been very clear that its number one priority is to nurture all current students, ensuring they complete their courses successfully and with the top-notch training they were promised when joining, and for which BOVTS is renowned. The school is working closely with the University of West England, their degree-validating body, to make sure this happens.

Despite the challenges it faces, BOV TS continues to radiate optimism and promote accessibility to the arts for Bristol and beyond. A distinctive fleet of Postgraduate and Short or Part-Time courses still attract talented and committed individuals from across the country. The hugely successful Young Artists and Young Conservatoire sessions will still be able to provide affordable opportunities for children aged 4-18 in our local community to become skilled communicators, storytellers and confident, empathetic young people.

Zoe Mackinnon has been working behind the scenes at well-known arts venues such as the Southwark Playhouse, Soho Theatre and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre since graduating from the Production Arts BA (Hons) Degree in 2023.

What was your training like at BOVTS?

“Working on public productions from day one was such a great way to get thrown into the real goings-on of a theatre production, and was the best way to learn such practical skills that carried me into the professional world.”

Can you sum up what is special about BOVTS?

“One of the real draws for me was the variety of theatres and site-specific venues across Bristol we got to work in. However, I think the most special thing is the relationship between the students and teachers. They care so much about the success of their students and truly nurture them. Lastly, it’s actually rare these days that I do a job where there isn’t another BOVTS graduate involved in the show in some way whether that’s an actor, creative or backstage team member, which is a true testament to the level of success the school has.”

Costumier Ruby Nex, a 2023 graduate from the Costume for Theatre, Film and Television BA (Hons) degree, now finds herself working consistently on film and television sets in her dream roles after an “incredibly invaluable experience” at the school. Recently, Ruby has worked as a Costume Junior on Russel T Davies’ The War Between Land and Sea.

How did you find your training at BOVTS?

“It’s one of the best courses regarding contact hours… There were 4 tutors for 20 students… BOVTS gave me not only technical skill but also stamina and determination and persistence… these skills have been so transferable…it’s given me a mentality that is pretty indestructible”

Do you believe BOVTS is a special place?

“BOVTS is an incredibly important place… it has art and creation at the forefront, and I think this is rare these days. Elsewhere, profit is put at the forefront of everything, and I think we are losing the depth of our culture because of that.”

BOVTS will continue to tell impactful stories and change lives through more than a dozen public theatre productions each year, in some of the most iconic creative venues across the city, such as the Bristol Old Vic and Tobacco Factory Theatre.

With some of the most affordable tickets for professional standard performances in the city, BOVTS allows young people and those from underrepresented parts of the wider Bristol community to experience live theatre.

As Kanouté says “When so much of our lives are automated, people crave connection – the performing arts should be recognised for their positive impact on our daily lives.” BOVTS certainly deserves that recognition for the countless ways it has shaped our city and the land beyond. This story certainly isn’t over – keep an eye out, Bristol, for what the next act will bring. n

How can you support Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and the storytellers of tomorrow? Visit oldvic.ac.uk to find out more about tickets for public productions, short and part-time courses, youth programmes or making a donation.

The Welkin (Credit: Craig Fuller)

What’s On...?

Our guide to the best things to see and do this month

Spoon & Bowl Carving

Beginners’ Courses

n See website for next course date

Bristol Tree Craft, Bridge Farm, Glenfrome Road, BS16 1BQ

Ever wanted to learn the ancient art of woodcarving? Fancy getting out in nature without having to travel far? Bristol Tree Craft brings heritage craft to the heart of the city with their weekend woodcraft courses, providing everything needed to turn a simple branch into a beautiful spoon or bowl to take home and use! Courses are suitable for beginners and include all tools/materials, heaps of cake and some really friendly pigs to scratch. bristoltreecraft.co.uk/courses

Tricks & Stuff with Sam King n 7-9 July, 6.30pm-8.30pm Anglican Chapel, Arnos Vale Cemetery Soap. Bubbles. And the mysterious disappearance of Sam’s dad. Australian magician Sam King, winner of Best Magic at Adelaide Fringe 2024 and runner-up in RAW Comedy and So You Think You’re Funny, brings his sharp, surreal magic and offbeat storytelling to he candlelit vault of the historic Anglican Chapel at Arnos Vale Cemetery. Prepare for an evening of jawdropping illusions, strange tales and laughter.

The licensed bar in the nearby Spielman Centre will open 6.30pm. arnosvale.org.uk/events

An Evening with David Nicholls n 14 July, 7.30pm

St George’s Bristol, BS1 5RR David Nicholls needs no introduction. To celebrate the paperback release of his instant Number 1 Sunday Times bestselling novel You Are Here – a story of first encounters, second chances and finding the way home – David will take to the stage to reflect on the career that brought him here. From the publication of his debut novel Starter for Ten 20 years ago, to the global success of One Day and now his latest novel, he will explore the twists of fate that have devastated and uplifted us in equal measure. Ask David your own questions, and get a signed copy of You Are Here after the show. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Food for Gaza Comedy Fundraiser n 14 July, 7.30pm-10pm

The Gaffe Comedy Club, BS1 2BD

Mike Wozniak (Taskmaster, Junior Taskmaster, Man Down, the Three Bean Salad podcast and more, his moustache alone is a national treasure) headlines this fundraising comedy night to fund food kitchens in Gaza, operated

by chairty All Our Relations. Stuart Goldsmith, host of the internationallyrenowned Comedian’s Comedian podcast and Live At The Apollo is MC for the night, and support comes from Amy Mason (Funny Women Award Finalist, shortlisted for BBC New Act of the Year), Mel Owen (awardwinning writer, presenter and comedian) and June Tuesday (Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Nominee). thegaffecomedyclub.com

If Opera: Tales from the SS Great Britain n 19 July, 6pm-11pm

Brunel's SS Great Britain, BS1 6TY

If Opera, one of the world’s most progressive and exciting opera ensembles, has partnered with the SS Great Britain Trust for a spectacular dining performance. Tales from the SS Great Britain follows a cast of characters who share their stories of love and laughter, tragedy and loss. Passengers will come to life like never before through music and songs that promise to both sadden and gladden the heart. Tickets cost £95, or pay £760 for a table of eight, and include an arrival drink and three-course dinner, with the opera performances taking place between courses. ssgreatbritain.org | For more info on If Opera’s 2025 Season: ifopera.com

If Opera at SS Great Britain

Doggone Funny

n 20 July, 11.30am-1.30pm

Ashton Court Mansion, BS41 9JN

Unleash the laughs at Doggone Funny, the comedy club where dogs are not just welcome, they're part of the show! Bring your furry best friend for an afternoon of tail-wagging fun, featuring hilarious stand-up acts, treats and a laid-back vibe that’s pawsomley perfect. Whether you’re a seasoned dog lover or just need a good laugh with a side of slobber, this is your new favourite hangout. There'll also be doggie portrait sketching, an interval dog competition for cutest human and bestie, dog treat stalls and a full bar. A chillout area will be available for those dogs who went a bit too crazy the night before, and lots of bowls of water on these hot Bristol days. Comedy, canines and cold drinks... what more could you ask for? Tickets start at £10 via headfirstbristol.co.uk (search ‘Doggone Funny’)

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity’s Heli Laughs n 21 July, 7.30pm-10.30pm

Bristol Old Vic, BS1 4ED

Join Great Western Air Ambulance Charity for Heli Laughs, a night of comedy at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre. Starring Angela Barnes (as seen on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week) and Stuart Goldsmith as host. They will be joined by a host of fantastic comedians from Bristol and beyond, including Celya AB, Laura Lexx, Jin Hao Li, Jordan Brookes and Dani Johns. Yes, your laughs really can help save lives with all proceeds going to support Bristol’s critical care and air ambulance service. After selling out in previous years, it’s a night not to be missed! bristololdvic.org.uk

Roman Baths Summer Lates n 21 July until 31 August

The Roman Baths

Abbey Church Yard, Bath BA1 1LZ

Bath’s ancient Roman Baths will come alive with late-night music this summer. On Fridays and Saturdays, Bath Carnival and POLYMATHIC will bring vinyl DJs to the Baths including Beavs (Void Bristol), Buckley (Bacana Funk) and Monobrow (Sound Records) with an eclectic mix of Latin jazz, rare grooves, and global sounds; and Sundays will welcome acoustic sets programmed by 7 Hills Festival. Performers such as Our Man in the Field, Hayden Thorpe and Izzie Yardley will bring gentle folk, classical crossover, and singer-songwriter sounds to the space. romanbaths.co.uk/summer-lates-2025

Feast On Bristol n 24-27 July

The Downs, Clifton

Picture this: a gathering that grows with each year, where every flavour tells a story, and every meal is a celebration. Feast On is taking over The Downs with Bristol’s top restaurants and street food traders. Expect bold flavours and local favourites. Experience live open-fire cooking demos, food sustainability talks, and a curated lineup of live music. From the banqueting area to the produce market, Feast On is all about great food and good company. Plus, visitors can elevate their day with wine tastings, which are available to book as an add-on. bristol.feaston.co.uk

Bristol Pride

A taste of the 2025 programme...

Pride Dog Show

n 6 July, 12.15pm

Castle Park, Wine Street

It’s time to start practising those wags, brushing those coats and working on those tricks! The Pride Dog Show is back and the city can’t wait to see those waggy tails. This isn’t Crufts, it is a relaxed community event for you and your pet to enjoy and the opportunity to meet fellow dog owners and lovers. There will be rosettes, as well as prizes, for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Pawsome rounds for your furry friend to show their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent to earn some top-dog titles include: Best Pup, Waggiest Tail, Best Trick, Most Like Owner, Proudest Pet, Judges’ Choice, Happiest Rescue and, of course, Musical Sit. Registration is from 11.30am and it’s £2 a round to enter. The show will start at 12.15pm.

Pride Silent Disco at the Museum n 11 July, 7.30pm

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Join the special pre-Pride Friday night extravaganza, where top-tier queer DJs deliver impeccable vibes in one of Bristol’s most iconic venues. 100% inclusive; everyone is welcome to go along and have a good time. You will receive a set of wireless headphones when you arrive, with all three channels ready to go. Tunes come courtesy of Bristol’s very own Grrrl Crush, a longstanding queer feminist collective which champions women, non-binary and LGBTQ+ people in music and beyond. Party packs complete with LED batons and other essentials are available to buy at the ticket checkout and on the night. Tickets start at £21, and it’s an 18+ event.

Martin Parr X Bristol Pride

n On until 22 November

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Head to Bristol Museum for a unique exhibition of Martin’s Parr photos of Bristol Pride from over the past decade. The world-famous documentary photographer’s work showcases the city’s colourful Parade March, the 45,000 attendee-strong festival on The Downs, and all the different walks of life that come to celebrate and protest at Bristol Pride. This free exhibition can be found upstairs in Bristol Museum.

Pride Sports Taster: Out to Swim

n 6 July, 1pm

University of Bristol Pool, Queens Road

Out To Swim Bristol is proudly returning it’s Pride taster session for a second year. This year, they are looking to add the additional option for a more casual pool experience, where you’ll be able to join them in the shallow pool area if you are not sure about trialling the competitive masters swimming programme. After the session, they’ll be hosting a social in one of the nearby supportive venues for coffee and cake, and an opportunity to speak to members about the club.

Nature Queerdos: Queer Hedge Medicine and Folklore n 19 July, 1pm

Snuff Mills

A creative foraging workshop for queers who love nature. This workshop will delve deeply into the queer feminist history, folklore, edible and medicinal uses of some of our most common hedgerow herbs. Together, attendees will connect to the plants through all of their senses in a mindful tea-drinking ritual and foraged feast. As you harvest abundant wild herbs to make an infused medicinal oil, organisers will share queer aspects of the plants and ecology that surround everyone. Tickets available online.

For more information, the full 2025 programme of events and to book tickets, visit bristolpride.co.uk

Mr Wesley Dykes will be at the Cabaret Stage during Pride Festival Day

Don’t forget the main event on The Downs, Saturday 12 July

(Credit: Dan Weill)

SCHOOL’S OUT!

Looking for things to do during the holidays? From meeting prehistoric beasts to kayaking, theatre school and even travelling back in time, here are some ideas for a summer of family fun...

AVON VALLEY ADVENTURE PARK

Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BS31 1TP avonvalley.co.uk

Dive into summer at Avon Valley Adventure Park’s ‘Summertopia’! Enjoy a giant slip ‘n’ slide, huge paddling pools, sand and water play, foam parties, silent discos and much more – perfect for families seeking fun and adventure. Explore Dinosaur Valley, meet friendly animals, and let kids loose on the climbing wall, mini jeeps and indoor play barn. Pay once and visit twice with the fantastic ‘Twice as Nice’ free return offer; book your first visit and return for free before 31 August. Open 12-13 July, then daily from 19 July until 31 August.

WAKE THE TIGER

127 Albert Road, BS2 0YA | wakethetiger.com

Step into Wake The Tiger – the UK’s largest immersive art experience and the world’s first Amazement® Park. Located in St Philips, Bristol, this award-winning attraction features more than 40 interactive spaces across two floors. Explore mind-blowing installations, uncover hidden doors and stories, and even a slide –there’s fun for all the family, from toddlers to grandparents. Go at your own pace with no time limits, and take a break in the café. For a gentler experience, Calm Sessions offer reduced sound, lighting, and capacity. Book online more than two days in advance for up to 20% off tickets this summer!

WIMBLEBALL LAKE

Near Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9NU swlakestrust.org.uk/activities | 01398 371460

Visit the stunning Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor this summer for the ultimate day out. Hire watersports equipment including kayaks, paddleboards and eFoils; launch your own kit or take part in an instructor-led session. Explore miles of paths on foot or bike, let the little ones loose in the play area and treat yourself to something tasty from the café. Extend your stay and camp – choose between pitch only or the popular bell tents, glamping pods and cabins on the campsite.

Credit: Louise Rutter

PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS BRISTOL

Cotham School, Cotham Lawn Road, BS6 6DT

Join the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts Bristol at Cotham School from the 18-22 August for its ‘Rule the School’ Musical Theatre Summer School experience! This fun-packed, five-day course will involve learning Performing Arts skills across acting, singing and dance! No previous experience is necessary and the summer school is open to anyone aged 5-18 who wants to have loads of fun! For further information and a booking form please contact Principal Carly – carly.bond@pqacademy.com or 07421023706

SS GREAT BRITAIN

ssgreatbritain.org | Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, BS1 6TY

All aboard for a Summer of Picnic & Play! The SS Great Britain is welcoming in the sun with a jam-packed family day out including giant lawn games, a magic show, new family trail, facepainting and more. There’ll even be a gigantic deck chair (and tiny versions for little ones) to put your feet up and rest after a day filled with fun! Plus, for the first time, everyone is invited to bring along a picnic to eat on board the ship’s Victorian weather deck with an ice cream kiosk available to cool off. Book your tickets online ahead of your visit to save 10%.

WE THE CURIOUS

1 Millennium Square, One Millennium Square, Anchor Road, BS1 5DB | wethecurious.org

Ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time?

This summer, to mark its big birthday, We The Curious is turning back the clock with an action-packed programme of activities celebrating 25 years of asking ‘what if?’ Find yourself transported to an imaginary desert island for a series of research challenges, blast to the past in a brand-new studio show and get creative making little drawing machines and hanging gardens.

All this in addition to more than 200 science exhibits across two floors. Book your summer holidays tickets before the 22 July and save 25%.

Credit: Lisa Whiting

Are you afraid of the dark?

Jenny hears something haunting in her house – at the same time, every night – but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash in Danny Robins’ record‐breaking stage hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, which sees Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton take the lead roles as the production creeps into Bristol Hippodrome 18‐23 August

As the first real-life couple to star in 2:22 – A Ghost Story, Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton are relishing the chance to work together again. It’s been seven years since they took the Glitterball Trophy on Strictly Come Dancing

“And that feels like a really long time ago,” says Dooley now. The presenter, journalist and actress starred in the smash-hit thriller for a limited run at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End in 2024.

She played Jenny, a young mother who along with her husband Sam has recently moved into a house that they are in the process of renovating. Every night at precisely 2:22am they hear strange and disconcerting sounds in a nerve-shredding thriller that The Guardian has hailed as “A slick, chilling romp of a play”.

Written by Danny Robins and premiering in 2021, it was one of dancer and musical theatre star Clifton's favourite plays even before he saw Dooley in it. “So that was another reason for us to say yes to the tour,” he says.

The couple are parents to two-year-old Minnie and they’ll be taking her on the road with them when they embark on the 2:22 tour from early August until late November, with Stacey admitting: “Of course, travelling the country with a two-year-old will bring its own stresses, but it’s great that we can all be together as a family.”

She smiles. “Kev and I have very different approaches. I take my work seriously, but he really throws himself into things, so he’ll be examining and dissecting every line of the script.”

Dooley and Clifton are speaking ahead of rehearsals. “And I think the first day or so in the rehearsal room will be interesting,” Kevin muses. “There’s the real you when you’re hanging out with your mates or your family, then there’s the work version of you, and it feels odd when friends or family see the work version of you because they’re used to the real you. Stace knows everything about me and the way I am in normal life, so for us to become these different characters with each other will be quite funny until we relax into it.”

Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley (Credit: Seamus Ryan)

It’s a very different dynamic to the one they had on Strictly, with Stacey noting: “Kev was the expert in that instance and he knew Strictly inside out. I felt incredibly well looked after and it was like a teacher-student relationship.” With 2:22 Dooley has done the play before and it’s Clifton’s first non-musical. “So it’s like a role reversal,” she says.

Has she given him any pointers? They both laugh as Stacey jokes: “I’ve told him ‘Listen Kev, I’m very happy to nurture new talent, so if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to ask!’”

And will he listen to her advice? “I’m going to have to! But you would anyway, wouldn’t you? With colleagues, the whole idea is to share ideas and to listen.” Plus, Stacey points out that for her it’s a different cast and a different director in Gabriel Vega Weissman. “It’s going to feel new for me as well. It’s as much a learning curve for me as it is for him.”

Scared witless

In the edge-of-the-seat story, Jenny is convinced the house is haunted but Sam is having none of it. When their old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben come round for dinner, belief and scepticism clash and they agree to stay up until 2:22 to try and find out what’s really going on.

For Stacey, Jenny is a relatable character. “We can either see parts of ourselves in Jenny or we’ve got pals who remind us of her. She’s a teacher, so she’s got a lot going on work-wise. And she’s a mum, who’s just trying to find her feet, so I can relate to her on that level too. When you have a baby you’re like ‘Oh, God, who am I apart from Mum?’”

Kevin sees Sam as an equally recognisable character. “We all know at least one Sam in our circles – someone who's a bit of a know-it-all, who has read a few things on social media and now considers himself an expert.”

“ It’s one of those shows where you’re tempted to go and see it a second or third time because there’s so much to it, and it’s even more intriguing once you’re aware of how it ends ”

Dooley was drawn to the play the first time around because of parallels with her own life. “I had just had a little girl and we had just moved house, so I could totally understand where Jenny was coming from. But Jenny’s probably a bit more placid than I am and a bit sweeter. I don’t think I’m patient enough to be a teacher.”

And is Kevin anything like Sam? “I don’t think so, but maybe I used to be. When I was in my early 20s I liked going against the grain of everyone’s opinions. For example, if you’d told me you liked a particular pop song I’d say ‘Well, that’s because they’ve taken it from another song from the 70s and it’s actually not an original idea’. I’ve grown out of that now.”

There’s another big difference. “Jenny and Sam’s dynamic is a world away from how me and Kev interact,” Stacey is keen to point out. “We’re pretty chill. We haven’t got the kind of head-butty relationship that they have.”

Since its 2021 premiere 2:22 has enjoyed a series of West End residences and headed out on its first UK tour in 2023. It has also played Los Angeles, Australia and Ireland, and Stacey thinks it attracts return visits because: “It’s one of those shows where once you’ve seen it, you’re tempted to go and see it a second or third time because there’s so much to it, and it’s even more intriguing once you’re aware of how it ends.”

Without giving spoilers, Kevin chimes in with: “It’s cleverly-written, it’s very interesting in terms of the subject matter, and it’s also entertaining all the way through.” Not naming names, he adds: “You go and watch some plays and they’re like pure entertainment with not much depth to them. Others are really highbrow and you sort of need a manual to understand them. This one hits the sweet spot.”

Reprising her role

Luton-born Dooley came to fame as a documentarian, earning an MBE in 2018 for services to broadcasting. That same year she and Clifton were partnered on Strictly Come Dancing and emerged as the winners.

She made her stage debut in 2:22 in August last year and she’s really looking forward to playing Jenny again, saying: “This probably sounds cheesy but I really fell in love with the art of theatre. I loved every single aspect of putting a show together. There was such a sense of camaraderie and I loved being on stage every night. And now with the tour I do believe that regional theatre is hugely important. Everybody around the country should have the opportunity to be exposed to different kinds of shows.”

Clifton started out as a professional dancer before his seven-year tenure on Strictly turned him into a household name. Since leaving the show he has starred in such musicals as Rock of Ages, War of the Worlds, Strictly Ballroom and Chicago, but 2:22 marks his first time appearing in

Cast members Shvorne Marks and Grant Kilburn

“ There’s something about scary stuff that takes you to the edge of your emotions, and maybe there’s a bit of safety in numbers for the audience ”

a straight play. “I’m trying to play it cool,” he grins, “but I’m really excited about this moment. I’m a huge fan of 2:22 and when I first saw it I thought ‘I’d love to be part of this play’. I love theatre and I love doing musicals, but as I’d been saying to Stace, ‘At some point doing a straight play is the goal’. Now it’s a reality and I’m buzzing about it.”

Thrills and spills

They both have their theories as to why theatregoers enjoy a good thriller. “There’s something about scary stuff that takes you to the edge of your emotions,” Kevin feels, “and maybe there’s a bit of safety in numbers for the audience where they’re all in it together. They’re on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what’s going to happen next.”

Having been in the show already Stacey agrees, adding: “During rehearsals you think you have an idea of how it’s going to play out, then you hear the audience gasp. It’s a thrill. There are points in the show

where you hear them scream and you’re delighted because you see how invested they are.”

For the record, Clifton scares easily when it comes to horror stories, Dooley not so much. And in real life? “The only thing I can’t deal with is rodents,” she grimaces. “There was a mouse in the kitchen of a house we’ve been doing up and I told Kev, ‘We’ll have to move’.” He wasn’t fazed, laughing: “My fears are more about kind of deep existential stuff.”

Getting to tour together in a play was one of the main draws for a couple whose busy schedules often keep them apart. “Kev is on tour a lot and he’ll be all over the place,” Stacey says, “and if I’m at work often my locations are further afield. The timing is right and it’s probably the last time we can do something like this before Minnie will be three or four, and we’ll be thinking about preschool and stuff like that.”

Kevin smiles again. “We’re striking while the iron is hot.” n

Written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist, 2:22 - A Ghost Story comes fresh from record-breaking seasons at five West End theatres with a host of acclaimed star performances. The show arrives at Bristol Hippodrome on 18 August, with performances until 23 August.

For more information, and to book tickets, visit the venue’s website: atgtickets.com/bristol

“Jenny

and Sam's dynamic is a world away from how me and Kev interact”’ (Photo credit: Seamus Ryan)

Deeply rooted

This summer, Coe Gallery presents a landmark exhibition celebrating the powerful legacy and vision of First Nations artists from Australia. The show features iconic works by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Gloria Petyarre, Minnie Pwerle and Barbara Weir, visionary artists whose practices are grounded in deep cultural knowledge and whose contributions have profoundly influenced the global landscape of contemporary art

Building on the momentum of Coe Gallery’s acclaimed Barbara Weir and Cara Shields exhibition in November 2024, the upcoming Summer Exhibition (15 July until 7 August) deepens the gallery’s commitment to showcasing First Nations artists and amplifying intergenerational voices across cultures. It arrives at a moment of heightened international recognition – coinciding with the Tate Modern’s major solo retrospective of Emily Kame Kngwarreye and other high-profile exhibitions in London, offering UK audiences an exceptional opportunity to experience the depth of these artists’ work in Bristol.

Ancestral authority

One of the most celebrated Indigenous artists of the 20th Century, Emily Kame Kngwarreye (c.1910–1996) rose to prominence in the final decade of her life, creating an extraordinary body of work sharing her Anmatyerre cultural knowledge with energetic bold visual storytelling.

Her unique aesthetic has drawn comparisons to Western masters, yet her work remains deeply rooted in her spiritual connection to Alhalkere, her ancestral Country.

Her niece, Gloria Petyarre (c.1945–2021), emerged as a trailblazer in her own right. Best known for her Bush Medicine Leaf paintings, Gloria’s work captures the rhythmic movement of healing leaves swept by the wind, an image both visceral and meditative. In 1999, she became the first Indigenous Australian woman to win the prestigious Wynne Prize, affirming her place as a leading figure in contemporary Aboriginal art.

Landscape from the artists of the Ernabella community on Pukatja Country, as part of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands

Ernabella Artist

Tjulyata Kulyuru

Minnie Pwerle (c.1922–2006), mother of Barbara Weir, began painting later in life and rapidly gained acclaim for her highly expressive works. Her energetic brushstrokes and vivid palette evoke the ceremonial body paint designs of Awelye (women’s ceremonies) and the bush foods of her Country. Her work embodies both ancestral authority and creative freedom, making her one of the most sought-after Indigenous artists of the early 21st Century.

Ernabella artists

Alongside this, Coe Gallery is honoured to present the UK debut of established artists from Ernabella Arts, Australia's oldest continuously operating Indigenous art centre. Founded in 1948 in Pukatja, a remote community at the eastern end of the Musgrave Ranges in the far north-west of South Australia, Ernabella Arts has evolved from its origins as a mission craft room into a culturally strong, artist-led centre for contemporary practice. Initially known for hand-loomed textiles and knotted rugs, distinctive works that became known as Anapalayaku Walka, the centre gained international acclaim for its intricate batik silks from the 1970s through the early 2000s.

In recent decades, Ernabella artists have boldly expanded into ceramics, painting and multimedia, with senior women turning their focus to the expression of Tjukurpa (sacred stories of Country and Culture). Today, Ernabella Arts is celebrated for its innovation, adaptability, and intergenerational strength. An Indigenous-owned and operated organisation, it upholds ethical practices in the creation and sale of First Nations art, and has built a respected international reputation, exhibiting at leading commercial galleries internationally in Paris, Berlin, and beyond. →

Images: Top left, Tjulyata Kulyuru, Tjukul/Waterholes; bottom left, Jasmine Coe, Mother Sun; top right, Minnie Pwerle, Awelye (Women's Ceremony); middle right, artist Michelle Lewis of Ernabella Arts; and Cassyanne Woods, Minyma Kutjara

“We are proud to introduce these powerful voices to our UK audience for the first time,” says Jasmine Coe, the Wiradjuri-British curator and artist behind Coe Gallery. “Alongside these, works by Coe Gallery’s resident artists offer a complementary perspective, creating a dialogue between contemporary practice and enduring cultural traditions.

“With its bold storytelling, rhythmic movement, and deep-rooted sense of place, the Summer Exhibition 2025 is both a celebration of the diversity of Aboriginal nations and a timely reflection on the significance of these remarkable artists and their ongoing influence across generations and continents.”

Participating in the Summer Exhibition are Utopian Artists Emily Kame Kngwarreye (who will also have work shown in the Tate Modern solo exhibition Emily Kam Kngwarray, opening early July), Gloria Petyarre, Minnie Pwerle and Barbara Weir; Ernabella Artists Cassyanne Woods, Daisybell Kulyuru, Michelle Lewis, Tjulkiwa Atira Atira, Tjulyata Kulyuru and Jeffrey Lewis (none of which have exhibited in UK before); and Coe Gallery resident artists Ethan-James Kotiau, Hannah Lange, Jasmine Coe and Rebekah Nyalkba. n

Coe Gallery’s Summer Exhibition is free entry, and is on from 15 July until 7 August at The Vestibules, City Hall, Park Street, BS1 5TR (weekdays 10am-6pm) | coegallery.com

Images: top left, Hannah Lange, Journey Through Country; bottom left, Gloria Petyarre, Bush Medicine Dreaming; bottom right, Ethan James Kotiau Maranoa River

ART and exhibitions

Sahara Longe’s The Other Side of the Mountain and Dana Awartani’s Standing by the Ruins, both at Arnolfini until 28 September

British artist Sahara Longe’s first institutional solo exhibition opens at Arnolfini this summer. The Other Side of the Mountain presents a new body of work exploring semi-abstract interior worlds, where her paintings capture fleeting moments and memories alongside the multitude of stories that exist within personal experience.

Following her exploration of old family photographs and inspired by Doris Lessing’s pivotal feminist novel The Golden Notebook (1962), Longe creates compositions where dreams intersect with reality. The exhibition weaves together memories from her early childhood in Clapham with contemporary reflections on family, changing circumstances and the nature of remembrance itself.

Throughout the exhibition, shadows challenge traditional metaphorical interpretations. Rather than representing negative forms, Longe’s shadows offer possibility, functioning as both shadow and reflection to create what Lessing described as “some tiny passing shade of feeling.”

Showing at the same time is multidisciplinary artist Dana Awartani’s first institutional European solo exhibition. Standing by the Ruins brings together existing works with a major new commission in a moving exploration of love and loss, destruction and the passage of time. Awartani – a Palestinian-Saudi artist –addresses the physical loss of cultural heritage through the lens of abandoned, destroyed and vanishing places. Working across painting, installation, textiles, performance and film, she draws attention to both the human act of making and human loss, reflecting upon the ravages of conflict within the Middle East and architectural modernisation ingrained with colonial legacy.

arnolfini.org.uk | 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA

Summer Rain brings together the work of two Indigenous artists whose ancestors originate in the Southeastern Woodlands of North America.

Multi-disciplinary artist Addison Karl presents canvases and drawings that offer a counter-narrative to the blank slate mythology of North America. From the desert heat of Arizona to the saturated greens of Oklahoma the paintings hum with the quiet resonance of stewardship, of land as relation not resource. Paired with his landscapes are ink drawings of imagined yet remembered architecture – collective memory of Chickasaw and Choctaw towns mapped into earth over centuries.

Mvskoke textile artist Melinda Schwakhofer introduces a series of magnificent quilts inspired by her ancestral homelands, alongside smaller works on paper.

Summer Rain is a convergence, a weather system made of colour, memory and place. It reminds us that even in silence, the land is still speaking and sometimes, all it takes is rain to re-grow its knowledge systems.

The work of both artists can be found in private and museum collections, including The British Museum and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.

rainmakerart.co.uk | 140 Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2RS

‘VER

Images: Left: Sahara Longe The Yellow Dress 2025 Courtesy the artist and Timothy Taylor. Photo: Prudence Cuming. © Sahara Longe. Right: Dana Awartani Standing by the Ruins, 2019. © Dana Awartani, courtesy the artist and Lisson Gallery

Summer Rain by Addison Karl at Rainmaker Gallery, until 31 July

Pictured:

SACRUM’ art quilt by Melinda Schwakhofer

Back to the Cave: The Full Spectrum at Clearwell Caves (Forest of Dean), in collaboration with Gallery Pangolin, until 31 August

An exciting underground journey for families and connoisseurs alike, through colour, form and materials in an exhibition of modern and contemporary sculpture, inspired by 5,000 years of colour mining at Clearwell Caves.

The 70 artworks by 60 international artists on display transition from monochrome black and white, through earth colours, primaries and metallics into dazzling technicolour. Artists taking part include Antony Gormley, Maggi Hambling, Damien Hirst and Sarah Lucas.

Book online at clearwellcaves.com | Clearwell Caves, The Rocks, Clearwell, Nr Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR

Image: Liz West, Our Illuminated Reflection, 2024, Mirror and acrylic.

Photo: Steve Russell Studios

Bristol Pride x Martin Parr at Bristol Museum, until 23 November

Legendary photographer Martin Parr has teamed up with Bristol Pride and Bristol Museum to showcase a retrospective of his photos of the city’s annual Pride festival.

A select exhibition of Martin Parr’s photos of Bristol Pride from over the past decade is now on show at Bristol Museum. The worldfamous documentary photographer’s work showcases the city’s colourful Parade March, which last year saw 25,000 people attend. Images in the exhibiton capture all the different walks of life that come to celebrate and protest at Bristol Pride, which this year expects a 40,000 attendee-strong festival to take place at The Downs. bristolpride.co.uk | bristolmuseums.org.uk

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Road BS8 1RL

Soft Power: lives told through textile art, at the Royal West of England Academy, until 10 August

Soft Power: lives told through textile art highlights how cloth can play a unique role in telling our stories and is used to communicate life’s journey. As something we encounter daily, cloth

creates an immediate connection between the artist and the viewer, making these stories feel familiar and relatable. The artworks focus on storytelling. They bring to light personal and collective experiences, from the autobiographical and hidden struggles of marginalised individuals to stories shaped by major events like the pandemic. The works share intimate and emotional portrayals of self-expression while making bold statements about empowerment and change. They highlight how cloth can connect women across cultures, recording and reflecting their experiences.

rwa.org.uk | Queen’s Road,Clifton BS8 1PX

Image credit: Alice Kettle

Expert opinion

Our regular columnist Chris Yeo is away but Clevedon Salerooms report on yet another successful specialist sale.

17th century measuring rule sold for £10,000

There was a distinctly Bristolian flavour to Clevedon Salerooms Summer Fine Art sale on June 5th. Amongst an eclectic offering of the antique and the contemporary was a remarkable collection of paintings by renowned Bristol artist Barrington Tabb (1934–2022). Having generated considerable press and public interest in the lead up to the sale hopes were certainly high and they were not to be disappointed with all twenty-five paintings finding new homes, resulting in a hammer total just shy of £10,000. Clevedon Salerooms have been instructed to sell a substantial number of paintings, the residual contents of his studio, with the remaining works to be offered in forthcoming auctions.

The auction was also notable for achieving one of the most surprising results seen at Clevedon Salerooms in recent years. A 17th century brass folding ‘Gunter sector’ measure rule, signed ‘John Allen fecit’ had arrived on one of Clevedon’s ever-popular Monday Valuation days. The owner had been gifted it some years previously and, whilst not being exactly aufait with antiques, had been told that it ‘could be of some value’. They were not to be disappointed as the rule turned out to have a direct link to

one of the most celebrated scientific instruments makers of the 17th century. Having generated considerable pre-sale interest, a volley of bids saw it very quickly leave its estimate in the shade and after a fiercely contested battle between an online and a telephone bidder, the gavel finally fell in favour of the former for the remarkable figure of £10,000, proving perhaps that pre-sale estimates, like rules, are there to be broken.

Clevedon Salerooms next Fine Art sale, for which entries are now invited, will be on Thursday 11th September. ■

clevedonsalerooms.com; @chrisyeo_antiques (Instagram)

Barrington TABB ‘Bristol Industrial Museum’ sold for £780

Bristol

TASY TIDBITS FROM ACROSS THE CITY & BEYOND

The Ivy serves up Wimbledon-themed dessert

Just in time for The Wimbledon Championships, The Ivy in Clifton is celebrating the tournament with an exclusive, tennis ball dessert. Guests who receive a limitededition pink version of the dessert will be in with the chance of winning their own Men’s Singles Final viewing party in one of The Ivy’s private dining rooms, with free-flowing Whispering Angel Rosé.

Available until 13 July, The Centre Court Melting Bombe is a playful take on the traditional strawberries and cream: a melt-in-the-mouth white chocolate shell filled with a fluffy milk foam, chopped fresh strawberries, shortbread, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzled with a bright and silky strawberry sauce.

The Ivy, Caledonia Place, Clifton, BS8 4DN | ivycollection.com

Steak restaurant rumoured to have closed still open for business

Steak house and art gallery concept Steak of the Art has confirmed it is still open for business following reports that it had closed its doors.

New seasonal set menu

Guests can now book the new Summer Set Menu at The Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols. Crafted using the freshest ingredients, diners are invited to discover summer’s most vibrant flavours in

partnership with Fever-Tree and Mirabeau. The collaboration sees the effortlessly-elegant Rosé Spritz servied alongside three culinary creations for £35 per person. The Summer Set Menu is available until 16 August.

Lunch is served Monday to Saturday, and Dinner is served Wednesday to Saturday. harveynichols.com/store/bristol

Steak of the Art, which has been located on Canons Way in the bustling Harbourside area of the city for 13 years, is now looking forward to welcoming guests both old and new to enjoy a delicious meal while immersing themselves among the local art and quirky seating areas.

Owner Steve Bowen says: “We’re very much open for business and want people to know that the doors are open for them to come in enjoy a drink or bite to eat. The building we’re located in has been surrounded by scaffolding for the past year and has hidden the entrance from passing trade so it was natural that many might have thought we were closed and led to stories in the media saying we were shut.

“Thankfully, the scaffolding is now coming down so guests can see we are open. It has also allowed us to properly reopen the outside seating area, which is a great place to enjoy some al fresco dining. We have evolved our menu and are offering other dishes including vegan options, chicken and fish, as well as promotions to encourage people in – including an amazing Express Menu offer, which includes steak and chips and either a glass of wine, beer or soft drink for just £12.95.

“I don’t know anywhere else you would be able to buy a steak and drink that cheaply.”

For information and to book, visit steakoftheart.co.uk

Recipes with Melissa Blease: Panzanella

Ripe tomato and stale bread salad? No thank you! But Panzanella – one of Tuscany’s most famous recipe exports – is way, way more than the sum of its parts. Refreshing, understatedly elegant and tantalisingly tasty, Panzanella is the perfect party buffet salad or barbecue side dish. But to enjoy it authentically Tuscan-style, serve it as a light summer lunch accompanied by a decent bottle of Rosé Toscana. Saluti to stale bread!

Ingredients (serves 4)

200g ciabatta, at least one day old 600g ripe, room temperature tomatoes, roughly chopped 1 generous tbsp capers, rinsed and drained

1 small red onion, peeled and very finely sliced 280g jarred red peppers, drained and roughly chopped 8 anchovy fillets in oil, drained and finely sliced (optional)

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 bunch of fresh basil

Method

Tear the ciabatta into bite-sized chunks, tumble onto a tray and leave in a warm place to dry out for around 30 minutes to one hour. Tip the tomatoes into a large bowl and season well. Add the capers, onion, peppers, anchovies (if using) and bread and toss together. Whisk the red wine vinegar with the extra-virgin oil and add to the salad, tossing as you go. Check for seasoning then tear the fresh basil into the bowl. Serve at room temperature.

Secrets of the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is a treasure trove of remarkable wines, blending history, character and incredible value. With so many producers thriving across the region, now is the perfect time to uncover a few standout gems worth adding to your collection, says Tom Bleathman from The Great Wine Co.

It’s no secret that the Mediterranean is home to some of the world’s most coveted wine producers, many with centuries of history behind them. With so many now thriving across the region, there’s never been a better time to discover hidden gems that might be flying under your radar.

Here are three of my favourite Mediterranean wines from the three months, all available at The Great Wine Co...

Languedoc, France

The Languedoc, home to picturesque French towns and pristine coastline, is also known for its superb wine appellations, which often offer fantastic value for money. Alongside value, variety is a hallmark of Languedoc winemakers, who produce outstanding examples of everything from the crisp sparkling wines of Crémant de Limoux to the complex, full-bodied reds of Corbières and Faugères. With so many fantastic regions within the area, it’s no wonder that it’s the largest wineproducing area in all of France, accounting for around one-third of the country’s total production. For context, that’s nearly three times the amount of wine that Bordeaux produces.

One standout area within the Languedoc is Picpoul de Pinet. Situated near Sète (often referred to as “The French Venice”), it’s known for wines that deliver crisp acidity, saline minerality, and the perfect pairing for a plate of oysters at one of the areas many beachside cafés.

The Roquemolière Picpoul de Pinet 2024 (£13.30) is a fantastically aromatic example, displaying notes of apple, peach, and fresh citrus fruits. And if oysters aren’t your penchant, a chilled glass of this in the sun is just as delightful.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia has long been a tourist hotspot, famed for its rugged landscapes, turquoise waters, and natural beauty. Beyond that, the island boasts a rich winemaking tradition, thanks to its granite-rich soils and coastal climate.

Located in the southwest of the island, Santadi is one of the region’s most renowned producers, with vineyards nestled in gently rolling hills that slope down toward the sea. Known for their native grape varieties and old vines, the wine that stood out to me from their impressive lineup was the Villa Solais 2024 Vermentino (£16.65). Bright and fresh, it’s packed with white peach, wild herbs, and a touch of almond, followed by a palate that’s both textured and refreshing. Wonderfully vibrant, it pairs beautifully with freshly caught seafood or a simple platter of antipasti.

Sicily, Italy

For me, Sicily is one of the most exciting wine regions in all of Italy. Home to over 65 indigenous grape varieties and a diverse terroir, from the sandy loam of the west to the complex volcanic soils of Mount Etna, there truly is a wine for everyone on this fascinating island.

Planeta is an iconic producer here, and while their Chardonnay helped put Sicilian wine on the map, the wine I want to highlight is their 2024 Rosé Sicilia DOC (£16.65). Made by blending the indigenous Nero d’Avola grape with Syrah and a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc for aromatic lift, this wine offers a nose of rose petals, pomegranate, and strawberries. On the palate, it’s silky smooth, light, and fresh, with a gentle, elegant finish. The label is inspired by a Sicilian sunset, which, to me, sounds like the perfect time to enjoy this beautiful wine.

greatwine.co.uk

Watersmeet Hotel

could not be better located on the water’s edge. Luxury Balcony, Terrace Rooms & Suites all have private outdoor seating & sun loungers.

Our 2 Rosette Restaurant offers dramatic sea views. from our unique cliff top location. Indoor and outdoor pool & spa.

2 Night Celebration Break

Our celebration offer includes a 2 two-night stay, a bottle of champagne and a Devon cream tea.

From £760 inclusive

Luxury for Less Suite Offer - 1 night

Choose your sea view suite with a 3 course dinner & breakfast for 2 nights, plus a bottle of champagne per stay.

From £510

Hedley Wood Holiday Park

Holiday Park with a 12 month Owner Season* Caravans & Lodges for sale

Located in 52 acres of scenic countryside & close to the coast Entertainments Venue – Spa Facilities

Dog field with agility course & wash station

The

in Woolacombe, voted Best Waterside Hotel for UK & Ireland by Conde Nast Johansen’s 2024. Our 4 star Coastal Hotel

New for summer: prawn, avocado and mango (Below, Tenderstem broccoli and beetroot with cream cheese)

A crowd fave: shiitake and parmesan arancini

Summery dish of smoked salmon carpaccio

Village people

Henleaze village welcomed Loafer to its high street menu one year ago, so Rosanna Spence met with co‐owners Tim and Damien to learn more about this special space that transforms from a brunch spot and coffee hang out by day, into a buzzy small plates restaurant once the sun goes down…

The word ‘loafer’ could mean two things. As well as being a rather comfy leather shoe that’s easy to slip on and off, a loafer could also be someone who avoids work, preferring instead to idly spend their time meandering through life at a much slower pace. I know which one I’d rather be, and it’s the same relaxed outlook that inspired the family team behind Loafer on Henleaze High Street, which is celebrating its first birthday this summer and reflecting on a successful year having “changed the game” (according to a note left by one happy customer) in this utterly delightful, leafy corner of our city.

Though if we’re honest, brothers Tim and Damien – who were brought up in Bristol and live just up the road from their venue – are anything but loafers. They’ve been working tirelessly to ensure their new eatery hits all the right spots throughout the day and into the evening. The pair are no strangers to hospitality. They also run a popular Chinese takeaway on Whiteladies Road, and have been involved with operating various kinds of restaurant or establishment in the area their entire lives.

Loafer embodies everything that’s great about Bristol’s indie food scene: an easy, relaxed venue that’s a coffee-cum-breakfast/brunch/lunch spot during the day; a chilled, small plates restaurant in the evening pouring local drinks; owners that live in the community they serve; an eagerness and willingness to take a flexible approach to running a venue, opening their doors to locals for bespoke events, welcoming people in for a drink while they transform the venue from day to night service, and a playful menu that gets tweaked seasonally by the chefs who want to make sure there are delicious options for all tastes and preferences.

Loafin’ around

Entering the world of coffee shops was a natural progression for the brothers, whose speciality had been operating evening venues. But this nocturnal work schedule meant they spent much of their days passing time in coffee shops (dare we say, loafing around) and preparing for the busy service ahead. So in Loafer Tim and Damien – along with coowners Tommy and Mark – have created a space that they themselves would have loved to hang out in.

It can comfortably seat around 30 covers, but the layout feels airy and intimate rather than cramped, and there’s a gentle buzz when the tables fill… lively without being hectic. Art from local creatives adorns the walls (and is available to buy), alongside vintage photos of Bristol streets that nod to the venue’s local pride.

And while we’re on the subject of local ethos, much of the menu is sourced from businesses on the nearby high street, with a strong focus on regional ingredients. There’s also Bristol Beer Factory on tap, locallymade kombucha and regular collaborations with trusted partners like DBM Wines, who plan to host a tasting evening in September. And every table is welcomed with fresh homemade flatbreads and hummus, a small touch that feels effortlessly generous. By day, Loafer caters to a varied local crowd, including young families, laid-back freelancers and out-of-towners who’ve heard the brunch is worth the detour. Crowd

favourites include smashed avo on toast, golden and generously filled croissants, and a rich, spiced shakshuka, alongside a satisfyingly broad menu of sweet and savoury options. And there’s the coffee, sourced from much-loved Bristol roaster Wogan, which is a draw in itself.

Then as the sun sets, the menu shifts into a seasonally changing celebration of small plates inspired by flavours from around the globe. Highlights include the Tenderstem broccoli with crispy parsnip shavings and a balsamic glaze that brings satisfying crunch and depth. A beetroot dish — which Tim and Damien, who are devoted meat eaters, admit to being one of the top bites on offer — is layered with silky cream cheese and pistachios, its delicate sweetness offset by a nutty richness.

There are subtle nods to the team’s Asian heritage, too. The arancini, for example, are packed with umami from rehydrated Chinese shiitake mushrooms (the soaking water is used to cook the rice, no flavour wasted), and blended with parmesan to create a rich, truffle-like decadence that sidesteps any risk of dryness. Tim explains that three plates per person to share around is usually enough, but who’s counting?

For dessert, don’t miss the trio of profiteroles that are impossibly light, filled with soft cream, drizzled with molten chocolate and topped with a little pistachio crunch.

From July, new summer dishes are set to appear: expect prawn, avocado and mango coulis (bright, tangy and balanced), a fragrant, refined smoked salmon carpaccio and plump meatballs in a Bolognese-style sauce that’s so satisfying you won’t miss the spaghetti.

Local legacy

On Wednesday evenings, the team is experimenting with opening the space up for bespoke private events, from intimate milestone gatherings to curated tasting evenings. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or raising a glass with family, the focus remains firmly on connection, flavour and community.

Loafer continues the independent legacy left by the site’s former occupant, Kondi Brasserie, which shuttered in August 2023 after many successful years serving the village. And although a day-to-night isn’t exactly a brand-new restaurant concept, when it’s done well, epitomising everything that’s wonderful about our city’s indie food scene, and improving the quality of life for locals, what’s not to love?

And here’s some good news for people who live further afield: there’s more free parking around Henleaze High Street than you can shake a stick at, catapulting the village to the top of your convenient day out list. From the new summer dishes to the promising potential of bespoke events, it appears Loafer has really found its feet in the village (I wonder if it needs some of those comfy leather shoes to boot?). n

Loafer is open 8am-4pm Monday to Wednesday; 8am-4pm, then 5pm-9pm Thursday to Saturday; and 10am-4pm Sunday. For the full menus and more info, visit the website loafercoffee.co.uk and follow the team on Instagram @loafer.coffee. Call 0117 452 2428 to book. 105 Henleaze Rd, Henleaze, BS9 4JP | loafercoffee.co.uk

Bristol at work

LOCAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATION UPDATES

Frank Water announces new youth ambassadors

Bristol-based water charity Frank Water is proud to announce two inspiring new youth ambassadors: nine-year-old Moksha Roy (pictured), the world’s youngest sustainability advocate, and Chantelle Lindsay, a nature connectedness facilitator, wildlife conservationist, and TV presenter. Both join Frank Water to help encourage more UK and global citizens to take action to protect and restore water as a global common.

“Moksha and Chantelle bring fresh energy, insight and compassion to our mission,” says Katie Alcott MBE, founder and associate director of Frank Water. “They both embody what it means to be a water citizen, people who understand water’s central role in building a fairer, more climate-resilient world.” frankwater.org

Arnolfini receives City of Sanctuary Award

Arnolfini has announced that it has become the first arts organisation in Bristol to be recognised as an Arts Centre of Sanctuary, a national award celebrating a commitment to being a welcoming space for all people seeking sanctuary, including free creative workshops and communityled exhibitions to artist development and practical support for newcomers to the city. Since 2020, Arnolfini has been working with sanctuary seekers and organisations such as Bridges for Communities, Bristol Refugee Festival, Latinas In Bristol and the Bristol Refugee Artists Collective to co-create exhibitions, workshops and events – not only at its Bristol Harbourside home, but across the wider south west. arnolfini.org.uk

Thirty local businesses visit Amazon robotics centre

Thirty businesses in the South West have taken part in the Amazon Innovation Accelerator at the company’s state-ofthe-art robotics fulfilment centre in Bristol.

The Amazon Innovation Accelerator is a unique free training initiative that brings small and medium-sized enterprises into Amazon’s operations to see first-hand how the company approaches innovation.

Grace and Green, pictured, a local period care brand, was one of the businesses in attendance. Andrea Jonat, supply chain and projects lead at Grace & Green, said: “We’re super keen to keep making a positive impact in menstrual health care, especially by expanding our period dignity scheme, and supporting those experiencing period poverty. The Amazon Innovation Accelerator showed the importance of taking the space and time to focus on innovation and how we can push forward, and I’m excited to see how we grow as we carve the time out to work on this.” aia.growthstudio.com

Deep tech innovator marks 10th anniversary

Deep tech ecosystem Science Creates, which supports the startup community with specialised lab space, expert training and mentoring, a network of partner organisations and access to investment opportunities, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new website that better reflects its role and services; a new Deep Tech Directory to facilitate exploration of the companies, teams, partners and suppliers it works with; a new publication called Gravitate that delves into the stories of its pioneers and looks at what lies ahead; and a new film telling its origin story. To find out more, visit sciencecreates.co.uk

Image by Alice Hendy Photography

From the Lord Mayor’s Parlour...

Exclusive insight from The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Henry Michallat

Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of representing our great city at a wide range of events that highlight the strength and diversity of our communities, the depth of our cultural heritage, and the inspiring achievements of our residents.

One of my first engagements was attending the Love Your Living Downs event, a heartwarming celebration of community spirit and local pride, which took place on Ladies Mile. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge for their hard work in organising such an engaging and inclusive event. The energy and dedication of volunteers and local groups was truly inspiring.

5 steps to help you

achieve financial freedom

Read on to discover five steps to help you achieve financial freedom.

1. Define your goals

It’s a good idea to clarify your long-term goals as early as possible and give yourself a clear direction and target to work towards. And remember, financial freedom also involves planning the legacy you want to leave behind.

2. Manage your expenditure and avoid lifestyle creep

To avoid lifestyle creep, it’s important to set clear savings and investment goals.

As your income rises, you should also try to make the most of your allowances, such as pension contributions or ISAs, to ensure you maximise your efficiency.

3. Build a long-term investment strategy

It’s important to build an investment strategy tailored to your unique goals and risk tolerance, and a well-diversified portfolio is also key.

4. Review your progress

Continuing the theme of celebrating Bristol’s rich cultural tapestry, I had the honour of visiting the iconic Bristol Blue Glass factory. This visit perfectly aligned with my year-long theme of supporting the city’s arts, culture and history. Seeing skilled glassmakers at work and learning about the history of this unique craft was a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting our local artistic traditions.

I was also honoured to attend the Clifton College Upper School Commemoration Day. This special occasion celebrated the impressive achievements of students across academic, creative and sporting disciplines. I was particularly struck by the incredible standard of the student artwork and sculpture displays, a testament to the talent and passion fostered within the school community.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to serve as a judge for the National Market Traders Federation competition at St. Nicholas Market. This vibrant market is one of Bristol’s most cherished spaces, and it was a delight to meet so many enterprising and enthusiastic traders. Their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to their craft continue to make St. Nick’s a cornerstone of local commerce and culture.

It has been a fulfilling and inspiring month. Each event has deepened my admiration for the people of Bristol, and as ever, if you wish to invite me to a local event or tour, please do get in touch with the Lord Mayor's office. n

For all enquiries, or invite the Lord Mayor to an event or local meeting, email lordmayor@bristol.gov.uk

Over time, small shifts in your spending habits, unexpected life changes, or market fluctuations can cause your trajectory to drift. That’s why it’s a good idea to review your progress regularly, at least once a year.

5. Speak to a financial planner

A financial planner can help you stay on track, make informed decisions, and move confidently toward your vision of financial security.

To find out more, get in touch.

We are Independent Financial Advisers who specialise in retirement planning and estate planning

Get in touch

If you would like a review of your pensions and investments and whether you are on track to achieve your financial goals, please contact us for a free consultation.

0117 959 6499 info@perennialwealth.co.uk Trym Lodge, 1 Henbury Road, Bristol, UK, BS9 3HQ

Wealth of knowledge

Curious about financial planning? Dale Ainsley, Managing Director and Chartered Financial Planner at Perennial Wealth, takes us behind the scenes of the business

The industry is undergoing a significant shift. The average financial adviser is nearing 60 years old, and many are planning to retire soon. Meanwhile, large firms are acquiring client books, often prioritising products over people. Advice in those settings tends to be more product-led than clientled. That environment was the catalyst for founding Perennial Wealth. I wanted to create a truly independent, client-focused, and ownermanaged business. A boutique firm that delivers exceptional service and builds deep, long-term relationships with clients.

Since launching, we’ve grown, bringing on more staff and more clients, which has allowed us to expand our services. But the core remains the same: helping people focus on what matters most to them.

Some clients are working toward financial independence. Others are already retired and want to ensure they can live meaningfully and confidently. Our work starts with understanding each client’s ‘why’ – their goals, values, and motivations – and using our expertise to create financial strategies that align with them. That client-first mindset has always been the heart of the business.

Every step of the way

Most clients come to us through referrals, meaning they already have some sense of how we work. We start with an initial phone call to ensure we’re a good fit, followed by a discovery meeting at our Bristol office. This noobligation session is all about understanding what matters to them. If we can add value, we begin planning: mapping out goals, building a lifetime financial forecast, and creating a bespoke financial plan covering areas like pensions, investments, tax, and estate strategy, all rooted in each client’s unique situation. Once planning is complete, we continue working together. Regular reviews ensure clients stay on track and adapt to life changes. The relationship is always ongoing, proactive, and tailored.

Our philosophy is entirely clientfocused. We are independent, not tied to any products or platforms, so we recommend solutions purely based on what’s best for each client. We focus on real, goals-based planning, not product placement, using detailed scenario modelling to guide decisions. Everything is underpinned by service: delivering on promises, being proactive, and staying available when needed.

What sets us apart is that many firms don’t work this way. Around 65% of advisers still don't consitently build cashflow forecasts for their clients. Being independent, client-focused, and offering high-quality planning puts us in the minority and drives much of our referral-based growth.

Most of our clients are based in and around Bristol, areas like Redland, Westbury-on-Trym, Henleaze and Clifton. They typically fall into two groups: successful professionals who are in senior roles, earning well, and thinking about retirement or financial independence. And business owners – directors of limited companies, also time-poor and seeking structure and security. Whether they’re working or retired, they want clarity and confidence. For those still working, it’s often about balancing a good life now with saving for the future. For retirees, it’s about managing withdrawals, maintaining growth and leaving a legacy.

Our goal is to help clients reach financial freedom, where work becomes a choice, not a necessity. Our planning starts with understanding what a great life looks like for each client. That could mean gifting money to family, buying a motorhome, reducing working hours or simply enjoying freedom. Once we understand their aspirations, we design plans that align their finances with their goals using cashflow forecasting, tax planning and investment strategies. Ultimately, we give clients confidence and clarity so they can live the life they want, knowing the financial side is secure.

Teamwork makes the dream work

I initially set out to pursue a legal career, but a passion for finance led me here and that enthusiasm shapes everything we do. From day one, I’ve built a team that shares the same values, allowing me to stay close to client work.

We have strong paraplanning support, an excellent administrator, and an associate planner gaining experience and building toward a clientfacing role. Our culture is driven by shared principles: putting clients first, being consistent, and doing exactly what we say we’ll do. We constantly strive for excellence and ask ourselves: “How can we make it impossible for a client to get a better service elsewhere?” We offer a truly bespoke service, with clients knowing they can reach out any time. Annual reviews revisit their entire financial plan, model progress, stress test scenarios, and manage risks, offering reassurance and forward-thinking support.

We also respond to life changes or market movements throughout the year. Clients often tell us this gives them peace of mind – they can focus on life, knowing we’re watching the big picture. Technology plays a vital role, both behind the scenes and in meetings.

We use sophisticated systems for clear, visual reporting and advice. Our sophisticated forecasting software shows real-time impacts of decisions – like early retirement or large purchases – and stress-tests scenarios like market drops or inflation.

Meetings are face-to-face or via video, with interactive screen-sharing. Clients also have access to a secure app to view their net worth, investments, risk profile, and message us securely. Everything is designed to enhance clarity, confidence and communication, always with a humanfirst approach.

Our Westbury-on-Trym office places us at the heart of the community. We’ve built strong relationships with local accountants, solicitors, and other professionals, allowing for seamless, collaborative service.

Many of our clients are local, and often connected. We frequently work alongside their trusted professionals, streamlining tasks like tax returns or estate planning and saving clients time and hassle.

The next chapter

Right now, the focus is on staying really clear about what we’re here to do – delivering independent, client-focused advice at the highest possible standard. That starts with continuing to build a strong support team, refining our processes, and ensuring that every part of the client experience is something we can be genuinely proud of.

We want to be able to say, with confidence, that there’s no better service available. And if there’s ever something we can do better, we’ll take it on board and improve – that’s the mindset we carry forward.

Looking ahead, the goal is to continue delivering that high standard to more people. Growth is important, but only the right kind of growth. We’re not trying to become a massive national firm. That’s not the vision. The ambition is to remain small, boutique, and fiercely client focused, so we never lose what makes the business special in the first place. We’ll continue to grow organically, at a sustainable pace, while always staying true to the values we started with: personal service, deep relationships and advice that genuinely puts clients first. n

To find our more and speak to Dale’s team, visit the website perennialwealth.co.uk or call 0117 959 6499

Bristol’s brightest smiles

Meet the dentists making a difference at CK Dental

A brighter smile starts with great dental care – and the right dental team. At CK Dental in Clifton, patients receive personalised care from expert dentists offering everything from general dentistry to advanced cosmetic treatments. Whether you're considering teeth whitening, composite bonding, or simply want to keep your teeth healthy between check-ups, CK Dental's friendly, Bristol-based team are here to help.

Teeth Whitening at CK Dental

If you’ve been dreaming of a whiter smile, CK Dental offers a range of professional whitening systems that are safe, effective, and tailored to your lifestyle.

Boutique Whitening – This convenient at-home treatment uses custom-made trays that you wear overnight – ideal for busy lives. It’s designed to minimise sensitivity, and most patients notice results within just a few days.

Composite Bonding: natural, non-invasive smile enhancement

If you’re looking to improve your smile without damaging your natural teeth, composite bonding is an ideal choice. This minimally invasive procedure uses tooth-coloured resin to correct small gaps, chips, discolouration, and uneven edges – all without drilling, injections or removing any of the original tooth.

Patient Testimonial - Whitening

“I’d always been self-conscious about the colour of my teeth, but I was nervous about whitening treatments because of sensitivity. Boutique Whitening at CK Dental was a gamechanger. The team was lovely and explained everything clearly, and it was so convenient being able to wear the trays overnight. I noticed a difference after just a few days, and best of all, I didn’t experience any sensitivity. I’m so much more confident in my smile now. I just wish I’d done it sooner!”

— Jasmine

Patient Testimonial - Composite Bonding

“I’d always been a bit self-conscious about the small gaps and uneven shape of my front teeth. I didn’t want anything too invasive or damaging, so composite bonding was the perfect option for me. There were no drills or injections, and it was all done in one visit. The results were amazing! It looks so natural, like a more beautiful, joined-up version of my own smile. It covered the tiny imperfections and some discolouration without touching the healthy tooth underneath. I can’t stop smiling now!”

— Kathryn

Meet the team behind Bristol’s brightest smiles!

At CK Dental, every smile transformation begins with a dedicated, highly skilled dentist. Whether you’re coming in for routine care or looking to enhance your smile with whitening, bonding, or facial aesthetics, our team is here to guide you with expert knowledge and a reassuring touch. Get to know the professionals who make CK Dental a trusted name in Bristol dentistry.

Dr Nick Banfield

Nick brings a thoughtful and preventive approach to every patient he sees. With a background in biological sciences and dental research at the University of Bristol, he’s worked in dentistry for over 15 years and now treats patients at CK Dental in Clifton. Nick enjoys building strong relationships with patients and guiding them towards better oral health. Whether it’s routine hygiene advice or longer-term care, Nick makes every visit feel relaxed and purposeful.

Dr Chris Hugh

Chris trained in Cardiff and has been working in the Bristol and Cheltenham area ever since. Known for his approachable and relaxed manner, Chris helps patients feel calm – especially during more complex procedures like root canal therapy. He also supports patients in achieving their aesthetic goals, including brighter smiles through tailored whitening treatments. Chris’s quiet confidence and care-first attitude make him a firm favourite with Bristol patients.

Dr Kareem Mohammed

Kareem combines clinical precision with an aesthetic eye, offering cosmetic dental treatments that enhance natural beauty without looking artificial. His experience includes veneers, crowns, and composite bonding, as well as facial aesthetics like wrinkle reduction and dermal fillers. As a clinical teaching fellow at Bristol Dental Hospital, Kareem supports students and remains deeply involved in the latest advances in modern cosmetic dentistry. His work is all about enhancing your best features and creating harmony across your whole face.

Get in touch to book an appointment with one of our teeth whitening experts at CK Dental. Please call 0117 472 1600 or email enquiries@ckdental.co.uk

Brighten Your Smile... ... in just

two weeks

Join our dental clinic and you can enjoy a 50% discount on Boutique Teeth Whitening as a welcome gift!* (*T&C’s apply). Call to book your appointment. Your perfect smile awaits...

1 West Mall, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4BH. Tel: 0117 472 1600. enquiries @ckdental.co.uk

MBST: Regenerative medicineFrom Elite sports to Chronic pain

Supporting Wrexham’s Recovery

Journey

Wrexham AFC has been using MBST behind the scenes since 2023, following a conversation between Head of Medical Performance Kevin Mulholland and MBST UK. After early success treating a small number of players, MBST was integrated more fully into the club’s performance and medical programme during the 2024/25 season, which saw Wrexham earn a third consecutive promotion and continue their remarkable rise.

Now an Official Sports Regeneration Partner, MBST UK is part of Wrexham’s forward-thinking approach to player care, injury prevention, and sustainable performance.

“MBST provides us with a powerful additional resource in our long-term approach to keeping players active, resilient, and available,” said Mulholland.

#mbst #MBSTUK #welcometowrexham #wrexhamafc #mbsttherapy

I’m also delighted to announce that my clinical team alongside MBST UK will be the sports regeneration partner with Bath Rugby for the 25/26 season: I look forward to sharing some of the results we see in the return to play study that we’re doing with their medical team.

Mary came to me in April this year with severe pain pain, stiffness and immobility following compression fractures in her L1 & L2 in 2002 after carrying heavy compost. Things got dramatically worse after a cruise in 2004 when her neck collapsed forward and since then it’s been impossible to keep her head up for any period of time, relying on an orthopaedic support to hold her neck up. She chose to try MBST to attempt to drop inflammation and improve function at cell level, permeating through to better quality tissue and function.

The results have been remarkable. She’s now able to do all her exercises, keep her head up for long periods without any support and is generally a different person to the one I met almost 3 months ago.

There is still some way to go but this is a remarkable example of how treating at call level with MBST can initiate a healing process and change the lives of patients.

Age isn’t a factor with MBST. Vitality however does play a part. A lot of my older patients are still living life to the full, getting the most they can from it, yet certain parts of their bodies wear down and become a challenge. This is where MBST can be life changing, adding energy of stimulation healing and regeneration.

Queen of the Cotswolds

Andrew Swift explores a much‐overlooked town in the Cotswolds, treading its narrow streets to uncover its charm and tell the story of this hidden gem

Painswick is known as the Queen of the Cotswolds, yet, compared with more famous Cotswold honeypots, it sees relatively few visitors. One reason for this may be that – apart from its most celebrated feature, a spacious churchyard lined with 99 trimmed yews – it is a town of narrow streets and hidden corners. To make matters worse, some of those narrow streets carry the busy main road from Stroud to Cheltenham.

Painswick is well worth discovering, however. It grew rich on the cloth trade in the 17th and 18th centuries, and most of the buildings from that period have survived. Not only that, but the stone to build them came from a quarry just north of the town – still working today – which yields some of the finest and most durable building stone in the Cotswolds. Painswick was also lucky – although it may not have seemed so at the time – in never being linked to the railway network.

This meant that, while nearby towns continued to grow, Painswick declined, and much that would otherwise have been swept away survived. So it remains, not just a hidden gem, but one that retains much of the scale and character it had two centuries ago. It also means that a walk of less than four miles – such as the one described here – can not only take in much of what the town has to offer, but also explore the glorious countryside round about.

Painswick lies four miles north of Stroud on the A46. As you enter the town from the south, turn into a car park on the right (S0865095; GL6 6UZ). This is the only car park in town, and it is also free –confirmation that this is no tourist trap.

Walking on up the main road from the car park, turn right, after 100m, through a lychgate into the churchyard, which is notable not only for the aforementioned yews but also for one of the finest collection of table tombs in the country.

Follow the path to the left of the church. On the far side of the churchyard, you come to St Mary Street. Across the street is Loveday’s Cottage, dating, like so many of the cottages built for the town’s weavers, from the 17th Century. The Lovedays were a Quaker family of clothiers and farmers and the much grander Loveday House, to the right of the cottage, was built around 1740. As a busy manufacturing town, Painswick was once full of pubs. The coffee shop to the left of the cottage, for example, was originally the Black Horse.

As you turn right past a row of cottages, you will see the gates to Court House ahead. This was built in 1604 for Thomas Gardner, another wealthy clothier. Continue down Hale Lane, which soon dwindles to a footpath, before turning lef t uphill at the bottom.

On your left, you pass The Painswick, an imposing 18th-century mansion extended around 1900 and now a hotel. Just past it, if you look down to the right, you will see a cylindrical cloth drying house. At the end of Kemp’s Lane turn left uphill past Tibbiwell House and the Golden Heart (pictured opposite, centre) – once an inn, then a teahouse, now a private house – but still with a magnificent wrought-iron sign.

At the top turn right past the Oak – originally the Royal Oak – and bear right along Vicarage Street, where a succession of weavers’ cottages are interspersed with grander houses such as Yew Tree House, built for Thomas Loveday in 1668, and Dover House, built for another member of the Loveday family around 1720. Hidden away behind Dover House is a Quaker Meeting House of 1706.

After 300m, opposite Longridge View, when the street forks, bear right downhill – and immediately you are in the country. After another 300m, you come to the Painswick Stream, which, despite its diminutive flow, once powered several mills. The first of them, Loveday’s Mill, is on your right.

St Mary Street

After crossing the stream, as the lane curves left, carry straight on across a stile and bear right (SO873097).

Continue in the same direction and after 200m, cross another stile and go down steps to continue alongside the stream.

Next comes Brookhouse Mill. Originally a cloth mill, around 1876 it was converted to a pin mill and, as the last working mill in Painswick, continued to produce pins until 1982. Turn left along a lane for a few metres before turning right along a rough track. Carry on in the same direction, passing several houses, for 425m, before turning right to double back down a broad track leading to Painswick Mill, whose millpond is now an ornamental lake (SO868092).

A little further on, at a T junction, turn left along a lane for 350m, before turning left past another lost pub, the Cross Hands. After crossing the stream at the bottom, look to the left to see Skinner’s Mill, before turning right to follow a footpath sign down steps.

The path runs between hedges until you reach a kissing gate (KG), beyond which it lies through a field where there may be cattle. At the end, another KG leads to a bridge over the mill-race of King’s Mill. Turn right past the mill and then left along a lane.

After 50m, turn left to follow a footpath sign up steps. At a T junction turn right through a metal squeeze stile and carry on up to the main road. Cross a stile on the far side to continue along a field path. After 150m, in the corner of the field, cross a stile on the left to carry on in the same direction along a nettle-fringed path (SO859092). Another stile leads into a field favoured by rabbits. Keep to the left-hand side and just before the end, instead of going through a KG to Washbrook Farm, bear right uphill. You are now on the Cotswold Way.

Follow a waymark to a KG in the top corner of the field (not the one leading onto tennis courts) and carry on uphill. When you reach a KG at the top, turn to take in the view before continuing between fences. Turn right when you come to a road and carry on through a KG into a field, at the end of which another KG leads onto Edge Lane (SO863097).

Turn right and at the end turn left along New Street. ‘New’ in this context is strictly relative, for it is almost 600 years old and lined with some of Painswick’s grandest houses. It is also beset by a constant flow of traffic.

The Falcon Hotel, a little way along, opened in 1554, and its bowling green is one of the oldest in England. Beyond it, Beacon House, the finest

Palladian building in town, was built around 1765, possibly by Thomas Paty of Bristol. A little further on is something much older, a timber-framed building dating from 1428, which until 2013 housed the post office. When you reach the crossroads at the end, turn right down Bisley Street, where quietness reigns once more.

On your left, the Old Fleece and the Little Fleece continue the tally of lost pubs. Turn right along Friday Street (so called because a market was held here on Fridays) to St Mary Street, where you have the choice of heading back through the churchyard to the car park or continuing your exploration of the Queen of the Cotswolds. n

Discover more of Andrew Swift’s work at akemanpress.com. All images courtesy of Andrew Swift.

Length of Walk: Four miles

Starting point: Car park (S0865095; GL6 6UZ)

Approximate Time: 2-3 hours

Terrain: The country section of the walk includes several stiles, as well as steps, rough paths and fields where there may be cattle Map: OS Explorer 179

Lovedays Mill

New Steet

A quieter part of town

Paying for Care – What Are Your Options?

James Kenward; Independent Financial Adviser

Planning how to pay for care - whether for yourself or a loved one - can feel overwhelming. Many fear they’ll need to sell their home or quickly deplete their savings. But if you have over £250,000 in assets, including savings and pensions plus a property, there are often more options than you might expect.

That’s where we come in.

With the right advice, it’s often possible to fund care in a way that protects your wealth and gives you peace of mind. The best approach usually involves a combination of strategies, tailored to your circumstances. These could include:

• Using pension income tax-efficiently

• Generating income from investments or savings

• Exploring specialist care funding products

• Preserving your estate for loved ones

If you’re helping someone else, perhaps acting as an attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney, you’ll want to ensure every decision is clearly in their best interests. That means understanding not only how to fund care, but what type of care is preferred: receiving care at home, perhaps some respite, or moving into a care home.

It’s never too early to seek advice. Taking professional guidance can help uncover solutions you might not have considered and ease the pressure on everyone involved.

And if no LPAs are in place, please don’t wait. This is a crucial step in ensuring decisions can be made smoothly when needed. We can help with this too.

At Harold Stephens, we specialise in sensitive, practical advice for later life financial and legal planning. Whether you’re exploring care for yourself or supporting a loved one, we’re here to help.

For a relaxed, no-obligation conversation with a SOLLA (Society of Later Life Advisers) Accredited independent financial adviser, call us on 0117 3636 212 or email office@haroldstephens.co.uk.

We record regular video updates on a range of later life financial topics - search ‘Harold Stephens IFA’ on YouTube.

Drenched!

Colour drenching throws out the interior design rulebook, inviting you to fully immerse your space in a single, sweeping shade. From soothing neutrals to bold brights, this transformative trend makes a striking statement – here’s how you can take the plunge, too...

Your home should be a true reflection of you – a place where style meets comfort and personality. Creating a space that feels authentic is essential, and colour drenching is a striking but surprisingly simple way to do just that. This bold interior technique is the art of coating everything – walls, doors, skirting boards, ceilings, everything – in one shade or hue. Whether your vibe is eclectic and charming, moody and meditative or serene and tranquil, drenching can work for every mood, style and space.

The idea of swathing a room in colour can be a bit daunting; after all, colour drenching throws away all the age-old rules we’ve learnt about decorating. While we’ve been taught to never risk making a room look smaller, or that white is the only colour for creating a blank canvas, in reality, colour drenching broadens scope for creativity and creates a smooth but unique base. Gone are the days of feature walls – 2025 is all about going big, or going home. Or rather, going big at home. Drenching is a great way to put your unique mark on your abode, and it lets you showcase your own style from ceiling to skirting board.

Going big

The main aversion to colour drenching, it seems, is the fear that it will make a room feel closed in and ultimately look smaller. But contrary to popular belief, painting a room head to toe in colour can actually open up a space! By removing harsh lines, the eye can drift easily across a room, making it feel more expansive. Walls, ceilings and corners are

softened, blending into each other and blurring where a space begins and ends. In fact, ignoring size entirely can be really important when thinking creatively about a room: removing the obsession with making somewhere bigger allows you to instead create a room that feels right, distracting you from the square footage and turning your attention to its character and vibe.

A single-hued base can also add to the cohesion of a space. If white isn’t a purposeful point of reference elsewhere, a white ceiling or skirting board can feel a bit unloved. Drenching these, as well as radiators, doors and mouldings, can make them blend seamlessly into the walls and become a striking backdrop to all of your furnishings and decor.

Design notes: Ivywell Interiors

“Colour drenching isn't just about bold shades painted on every surface. It's a great technique to create a mood but it doesn't have to be a statement. We often use pared-back tones (think soft clay, muted olive, warm taupe) across walls, ceilings and joinery, then layer them with textural finishes. Limewash, woven fabrics, textured tiles or even bouclé, are your best friends here to stop a space feeling flat. For the more colour-curious, dark, moody or jewel tones can be really transformative.

“Our advice: start small. A cloakroom, dressing room or snug is a great place to test a fully wrapped scheme. If you love it – great! Expand from there. And if not, it’s only paint. If you want something a little different though, try experimenting beyond traditional paint. We used microcement across walls, ceiling and floor in a bathroom – a fully drenched effect in a mid-tone hue that was both striking and soothing. Colour drenching doesn’t have to be dramatic to look great, but it should always feel intentional. However you do it – bold or subtle – make it yours. That’s where home begins.”

ivywellinteriors.com

Red Earth No 64 in Dead Flat® from Farrow and Ball

Come-in colours

The shade you choose is key to the atmosphere you create. Lighter colours, like pale blues and greens, will give a sense of peaceful tranquility and calm, imbuing a space with a serene, sophisticated ambiance. Paler hues can also be a great way to test colour-drenching if you’re nervous about trying out the style, as they maintain an airy feel and are often more subtle.

If you feel ready to pull out the stops, bright, rich greens, yellows, pinks, oranges and blues create a playful, energetic and utterly unique space. It allows you to really have fun with your interiors, and can open up a pathway to bold, statement pieces of décor that weave in complementary pops of colour.

If you’re looking to make your home into an idyllic sanctuary, a Mediterranean colour scheme is a great option. We’re seeing raw, stripped-back plaster tones more and more, which give a rustic and earthy but grounding energy, allowing you to feel really connected to the space around you. Warm, muted pinks, oranges, and pale terracottas, like in the elegant interior from Little Green (see image right-hand image) make a space feel tranquil yet lived-in.

Riskier yet, but entirely worth it in the reward, are the darker, bolder tones that are taking over the interiors world. Rich, deep hues, while daunting, ooze personality and sophistication, creating striking and captivating spaces. In this room painted in emerald hues from Little Greene, shown above, the deep, rich green that coats the walls and is reflected in the rug creates an immersive, cocoon-like feel. Corridors are a great place to work with this, as the style can really elongate the space, and work individuality into a room that is often overlooked.

All in the detail

If you want to give the trend an extra-unique twist, try paper-drenching. Covering a room from wall to ceiling in a wallpaper can add in a wonderful element of texture that you can coordinate with a paint palette for an allencompassing finish. It works on both big and small spaces, giving a comforting and intimate feel, while maximising pattern and colour.

You can also incorporate your decor into the overall scheme. Bold colour contrasts make a strong statement, but pairing them with

complementary elements – like curtains, bedding, or furniture – helps to balance the look and tie everything together with the walls, creating a cohesive and sophisticated atmosphere.

A vibrant base allows your pieces to shine without needing to dominate the space. By letting the walls carry much of the visual weight, your personal touches stand out naturally, without the pressure of having to take on a ‘feature’ role.

Colour-drenching in any colour will require a serious think about your own style. What kind of energy do you want to create in your space? What brings you joy? How do you want to feel when you return home?

Once you’ve figured that out, this method can totally transform your abode in a way that is entirely unique to you. So go on – be bold, and journey into the land of sweeping technicolour. n

Design notes:

Alison Bracey of Bracey Interiors

The trend for colour drenching is all about achieving a full-on, single hue colour across all surfaces in a room. It helps to create a welcoming and immersive space, while giving personality to a room.

It is important to vary the paint finishes for optimal dimension and to enhance light reflection. Why not consider matt walls and ceiling, with maybe a gloss finish for the woodwork? Dark colours will make a small room feel cosy, whereas colour drenching in lighter shades will make a room feel soft and comfortable. Both Little Greene & Paint & Paper Library offer a vast range of tonal shades. so if you’re wanting a universal colour, but are feeling more cautious, then consider their ranges as they do the same colour in five differing tonal shades. Double drenching builds on the concept of colour drenching, but it involves using different hues of the same colour family, allowing you to embrace a bold and impactful colour palette. Remember, there is no room for white ceilings or skirtings! braceyinteriors.co.uk

Dark Brunswick Green, Hopper, and Citrine from Little Greene

Hellebore from Little Greene

Shady business

Elly West shares her shady garden planting ideas for sun‐starved spaces, including which species and varieties will thrive, proving that your garden doesn’t need to see the sun to shine

Nearly all gardens have them, those tucked away corners that don’t get much light, often neglected and left to their own devices. However, they can really come into their own during summertime, when we should view them as providing an opportunity rather than a problem. Make the most of your shadier areas and they can become peaceful retreats – places to rest and stay cool away from the heat, and to grow a wide range of beautiful plants that can’t cope with direct sunlight.

Shade in small city gardens is often cast by nearby buildings. Terraced properties may well have a side-return surrounded by high walls. Boundary hedges and fences cast shade, which will be more noticeable in a smaller space. Larger gardens, on the other hand, can be more open and sunny, so you may need to create shade where little previously exists. One of the most ecological ways to bring shade into the garden is by planting deciduous trees and with much of the northern hemisphere covered by woods and forests, there are many plants that are used to these conditions that will thrive in our climate. Shade-loving plants tend to be subtle in their charms – think of forest edges or shady woodland banks with delicate ferns, primroses and wood anemones. While brighter more gaudy plants from tropical climates may struggle with a lack of light, shady zones are places for whites, greens, blues, purples and pale pinks. Lighter colours can get lost in full sun, but it’s the whites and creams that shine out when light levels are low.

Deciduous trees with open canopies will cast dappled shade, perfect for an understorey of woodland-type plants and bulbs. Acers, silver birch, rowan, crab apple and amelanchier are among my favourite trees for light shade.

When we think of shade, we often think in terms of green, which is an important component in an area that doesn’t get much light. Ferns have adapted to thrive in deep shade with their low metabolic rate and presence of a light-sensing protein called neochrome, that enables them to make the most of the red end of the light spectrum, as well as the blue light that other plants absorb. Shade combined with dry soil, such as that found around tree roots, can be one of the trickier spots to plant, but varieties of shield fern (Polystichum), and Dryopteris will do well, although they will need some watering while they are getting established. Mulching with bark chippings is also a good idea, as it helps to conserve moisture as well as suppressing weeds and providing an attractive foil for your plants.

Fatsia japonica is another tough plant that thrives in deep shade. Its large glossy dark-green leaves maximise the chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis, while their waxy coating minimises water loss. Variegated and golden leaves will brighten up a space. Some of the smaller-leaved ivies will grow anywhere, dry shade included. Hostas, silver-leaved brunnera and variegated euonymus shrubs are happy in shade. Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) has sprays of lime-yellow summer flowers

combined with soft green scalloped leaves, and there are also grasses such as Luzula nivea and Hakonechloa that are happy away from the sun. Lily-turf (Liriope muscari) produces beautiful spires of purple flowers in late summer and autumn, and is a compact evergreen grassy-leaved plant that is good for the front of a border or edging a path, as it stays relatively neat and tidy.

But it’s not just about the greenery. Plenty of flowering plants will also do well out of the glare, providing just about year-long colour and interest. Starting early with hellebores and spring bulbs, such as narcissi, snowdrops and bluebells, these can then be followed by bleeding heart (Dicentra), wood anemones, epimediums, campanula, foxgloves, astrantias and hardy geraniums. And for a burst of freshness at the end of the summer, it’s hard to beat pink and white Japanese anemones. Astilbes like shade combined with damp soil, and add vivid colour later in the season. If you don’t have much shade provided by trees, boundaries or buildings, then a garden structure such as a pergola or gazebo is a great way to create a seating area out of the sun. Quick growing climbers such as a grape vine, star jasmine or Clematis montana will filter the sunlight and create a cool green canopy overhead.

Shady borders tend to look better for longer, need less watering, and provide shelter for insects, birds and small mammals. With recurrent summer droughts becoming a thing, shade is an important resource that we need to make the most of in order to maximise our outdoor space. n

Elly West is a professional garden designer, working in and around the Bristol area | ellyswellies.co.uk

Plant of the month: Hardy geraniums

These perennial stalwarts thrive in sun or shade, and are easy and reliable, coming back year after year with soft green leaves and longlasting flowers. In shades of whites, pinks and purples, there are varieties to suit just about any situation, and they will look equally at home in a cottage garden alongside roses and sweet peas, as in a gravel garden or contemporary urban space.

‘Mavis Simpson’ is a good choice for low-growing ground cover, reaching around 20cm in height. It has pale-pink long-lasting flowers and is semi-evergreen with lobed silvery foliage. Geranium phaeum is one of the best suited to shade, with dark, dusky purple-black flowers held on tall stems above delicately mottled leaves. Popular ‘Rozanne’ (pictured) is one of my favourite varieties for sheer flower power, with its multitude of saucer-shaped purple flowers from June through to October or even November.

Hardy geraniums are easy to grow, and once established need very little maintenance. When the leaves go tatty at the end of the season, cut them all back to the ground and clear them away. Some varieties can also be given a mid-season chop if they start to get unruly, to encourage new fresh growth. Plants are dormant over winter, but reliably come back in spring with new leaves followed by the flowers.

PROPERTY NEWS

DISCOVER THE LATEST NEWS FROM BRISTOL’S PROPERTY EXPERTS

Wait until September to find your new Home?

I

f you have been searching for some time for your perfect home with no luck, don’t lose heart. Whilst some buyers, who perhaps have sold their own home and need to secure an onward move, don’t quite have the same luxury of time – for others who can wait – strategically it may be best to.

Fresh September stock

TQ1 2025 (spring months) listings in Bristol were reported to be up by approximately 12–13% year-over-year versus Q1 2024. As we near the summer holidays, many buyers now feel ‘there isn’t much out there on the portals’ and should we wait until September?

The reality is often- yes! With independent schools breaking up the first week of July, many sellers will be reluctant to list their home on the open market and juggle viewings over the school holiday period. Equally, for those sellers trying to appeal to the family market, and who have the luxury of time on their side, selling agents will often encourage such sellers to hold off until September given a large pool of their potential buyers will be pre-occupied with holidays and the logistics of childcare.

As we see every year, September and the ‘back-to-school’ atmosphere will always result in a new wave of listings. Buyers and sellers have more time to focus and inevitably negotiations run far more efficiently without delays caused by one party being oversees. For those viewing properties in Bristol, there is also the special charm of the early signs of Autumn and cosy homes!

Certainly, talking to selling agents, they are very busy carrying out valuations ahead of what is showing positive signs of being a strong start to the Autumn market in terms of listings.

More Realistic prices

Those properties which have previously been on the open-market and taken off ahead of an Autumn re-launch, or had a period of discreet marketing, often by September we see sellers being far more realistic on price. Buyers waiting for the September market will often benefit from over-ambitious prices set earlier in the year come down as sellers are motivated to sell in the Autumn before going into what are traditionally the quieter winter months.

Still time to move before Christmas

Just as the spring market is often driven by the frenzy of buyers wanting to move before September, the September market is a perfect time for motivated buyers to secure their new home still with time to complete before Christmas.

Keep in touch with the selling agents

Waiting until September isn’t a question of simply parking your search. Instead, use the summer months to keep in regular touch with selling agents and discuss any properties that you may previously have had your eye on but have since been taken off the market, as well as enquiring about any interesting properties that are due to be launched in September. At all times be at the forefront of the agents’ minds and show that you are a motivated buyer.

Should you require assistance in the search for your perfect home, I’d love to chat.

Lili Oliver

Oliver Roth Property Consultants T: 0117 9877 828 | E: home@oliverroth.co.uk

A STUNNING GEORGIAN FAMILY HOME, FULLY REFURBISHED TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD IN BEAUTIFUL GARDENS & GROUNDS

GUIDE PRICE — £2,995,000

BACKWELL HOUSE — just 15 minutes drive from Clifton, Bristol

This beautiful home offers easily managed family accommodation and lies just 15 minutes from Clifton.

The ground floor provides 4 beautiful reception rooms plus conservatory and kitchen / utility around a stunning central staircase leading to the first floor which provides 5 ensuite bedrooms, each with stunning views over the grounds.

There are 4 further rooms, accessed via the first floor and with an independent staircase from the ground floor, each with fitted ensuites which would ideally suit guest accommodation, home office or snug/tv rooms for teenagers. The property also benefits from a good sized basement, partially fitted out and ideal for a variety of ancillary uses.

The house is approached via a sweeping driveway and sits within approximately 13 acres, comprising front lawn, a rear private garden and surrounding paddocks.

In addition, further outbuildings and three estate cottages can be purchased subject to separate negotiation.

Burston Cook Knight Frank

A4 SUI GENERIS PROPERTY ON PRIME PARK STREET AVENUE PITCH

Spread over ground floor, mezzanine and basement floor, the property is fitted with a modern decor wooden flooring and atmospheric lighting.

The property benefits from a late night alcohol licencing under A4 - Sui Generis use. The licensing hours are:

Sunday – Thursday 12 – 2pm, Friday 12 - 4pm, Saturday 12 – 6pm

Quoting £40,000 per annum – premium on application

Further information can be obtained via the sole agent Burston Cook

BRISTOL & CLIFTON’S PREMIER COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS

Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

Fourth Way, Avonmouth FOR SALE – POA

6,119 sq ft (568.46 sq ft)

A well presented hybrid commercial unit comprising high quality office and workshop accommodation. Landscaped site with parking for circa24 vehicles to the front of the buildings.

Falfield Garage TO LET – POA

0.23 acres (0.09 Hectares)

An excellent roadside covered forecourt with a purpose-built sales office. There is also a car valet area to the rear of the garage. The forecourt can hold between 30–50 cars/vans dependent upon size.

Clothier Road, BS4 TO LET - £47,350 PAX

4,987 sq ft (463.29 sq m)

A well located industrial unit benefitting from car parking to the front and yard space to the rear. The unit also benefits from office accommodation with welfare facilities.

East Street, Bedminster TO LET – POA

4,025 sq ft (373.93 sq m)

Large retail unit to let, with strong passing footfall on East Street. Class E-suitable for a variety of commercial uses.

High Street, Kingswood FOR SALE – POA

1,254 sq ft (116.5 sq m)

Freehold for sale. Would suit owner occupier, developer or investor. Prominent corner position. Retail and offices available as a whole. Potential for residential conversion, subject to planning.

St Johns House, BS1 FOR SALE – £150,000 618 sq ft (57.41 sq m)

An opportunity to purchase a ground floor, self contained commercial unit located a few minutes walk from Corn Street. Offered as a ‘shell’ to allow an occupier to put their own stamp on the property.

Queens Road, BS8 TO LET – £19.50 psf

1,398 sq ft (129.87 sq m)

An attractive office suite located in this popular and prominent location on Queens Road in Clifton. Providing 3 floors of light and bright office accommodation. New lease available.

Park Street Avenue, BS1 TO LET – Quoting £40,000 pax

1,106 sq ft (102.75 sq m)

An exceptional venue located just off Park Street spread over ground, basement and mezzanine. The premises benefits from late night licensing and is a proven trading location.

St Mary’s Way, Thornbury TO LET – £16,000 PAX

1,186 sq ft (110.23 sq m)

An exciting opportunity for a ground and first floor unit at The St Mary’s Centre in Thornbury. Situated under the busy covered passageway. Ample customer and staff parking on site.

H2, Harlequin Office Park, BS16 TO LET – £19.50 PSF

3,068 – 11,045 sq ft (285 – 1,026 sq m)

An impressive substantial modern HQ office, located in a prominent position on the business park with the space being available over ground and first floors. On site car parking with EV charging points.

Tom Coyte

Bristol | Guide Price £1,750,000

A fabulous family home full of period charm and natural light situated on a quiet residential street; complete with a southerly facing rear garden, superb self-contained annex and an off-street parking space.

Generous six-bedroom family home of circa 3450 sq. ft | Additional self-contained one-bedroom annex | Landscaped southerly facing walled rear garden | Paved drive with off-street parking | Lovely light-filled full-depth family kitchen and dining room | Sitting room with a balcony overlooking the garden | Retained period features throughout | Internal as well as external access to the lower ground floor | Easy access from both the hall and lower ground floors into the garden | Superb location close to The Downs and several of Bristol’s leading state and independent schools | EPC: E

In all circa 3459.0 sq. ft (321.0 sq. m)

Clifton,

The rise of sustainable living: Why more buyers are thinking beyond bricks and mortar

By Peter Greatorex, Managing Director, Peter Greatorex Unique Homes

There is a subtle but noticeable shift happening in the housing market. While buyers’ top priorities will always focus first and foremost on location, the right architectural style, and the number and layout of rooms to fit their needs, we are now seeing a new layer emerge in their decision-making. Increasingly, questions about energy efficiency, renewable technologies, and environmental impact are being asked alongside those about garden size or parking.

It is not yet the dominant factor for most buyers, but sustainability is moving rapidly up the list. For some, it’s a desire to live more responsibly, for others, it’s a response to rising energy costs and a focus on financial efficiency. For many, it’s a combination of both. There is also a growing awareness of how our homes shape our day-to-day wellbeing, from indoor air quality and thermal comfort to natural light and the role of green space in promoting a calmer, healthier lifestyle.

This trend has become particularly evident in my work marketing Lacuna Gardens, a new development from Verto Homes, specialists in zero-carbon housing, comprising 12 luxury 4 and 5 bedroom homes in the Somerset village of Blagdon. While the rural setting, panoramic Mendip views, and blend of heritage charm with contemporary design are clear attractions, a significant number of potential buyers are engaging with the development’s sustainability features from the outset. I would estimate that around half of those I have spoken to are initially drawn to the site precisely because of its environmental credentials.

Each home at Lacuna Gardens has been built to meet zero carbon and zero energy bill standards, delivered through an integrated system of high-specification technologies. Solar panels with battery storage, air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), zonal underfloor heating, and super-insulated triple-glazed windows all contribute to energy efficiency.

These homes also include full smart home automation and are connected to Octopus Energy, which enables a guaranteed £0 energy bill for residents. For the average household, zero-bill homes can equate to annual savings of nearly £3,500 compared to a typical dual-fuel household, according to the Home Builders Federation.

However, these benefits go beyond savings and sustainability metrics. The way these homes are designed and built also promotes better daily living. Warmth that’s evenly distributed, filtered fresh air, consistent internal temperatures, and a quiet, well-insulated environment all support a sense of comfort and wellbeing that many buyers are now actively seeking, whether or not they describe it in such a way.

There is also a financial incentive that many buyers are still unaware of - green mortgages. These are mortgage products specifically tailored for energy-efficient properties, offering lower interest rates or increased borrowing capacity. Despite their potential, they remain underutilised, largely because many buyers do not realise they exist. But for developments like Lacuna Gardens, where the homes carry exceptional energy performance, the opportunity to access these more favourable terms could be another layer of long-term value.

What we are seeing is not a dramatic revolution in how homes are chosen but it is certainly an evolution. Sustainability and wellness cannot replace the fundamentals of what makes a home desirable, but they are enhancing them. Buyers still want beauty, practicality and location but increasingly, they also want a home that supports a more resilient, costefficient, and balanced way of living.

If the growing interest in developments like Lacuna Gardens is anything to go by, it is set to define the future of thoughtful home design.

Saville Court, Saville Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4EJ 0117 325 2600 | info@petergreatorex.co.uk www.petergreatorex.co.uk

Blagdon, Somerset

Guide Price: £2,650,000

Lacuna Gardens is an exclusive collection of 4- and 5-bedroom detached homes in the quintessential Somerset village of Blagdon. Each home combines timeless country charm with cutting-edge, zero-carbon design, offering elegant, sustainable living without compromise. Prices from £795,000

• Zero Carbon Smart Home built by multi award-winnign developer Verto

• Pay no energy bills, guaranteed with Octopus Energy

• Integrated solar roof and 13kw battery storage system, with EV charging

• Valliant aroTHERM Plus Air Source Heat Pump

• Vent-Axia Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery

• Underfloor heating throughout

Langford, Somerset

OIEO £1,100,000

A charming period detached home, set within an acre of beautifully maintained, level gardens, offering a rare combination of space, privacy, and convenience.

• 4-5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 3 reception rooms

• Tastefully modernised with approx. 2270 sq ft of light and airy interiors

• Lovely large family kitchen with separate utility

• Stables and outbuildings with scope for further accommodation, subject to planning

• Delightful outlook over the grounds

• EPC Rating D, Council Tax G

West Stoughton, Somerset

OIEO £1,350,000

Combe Down, Bath

OIEO £650,000

Ubley, Somerset

OIEO £1,050,000

Blagdon, Somerset

OIEO £1,650,000

Churchill, Somerset

Axbridge, Somerset

Butcombe, Somerset

OIEO £700,000